Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta

If you’ve ever dreamt of a dish that combines rich, cheesy pasta with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, you’re in for a treat. Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta is exactly that a comforting, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or even a special weekend indulgence. This dish brings together two of life’s greatest culinary pleasures: tender chicken cooked in garlic butter and a creamy, cheesy pasta sauce that clings to every rigatoni tube.

From the first bite, you’ll notice the layers of flavor the subtle smokiness from Cajun seasoning, the richness of garlic butter, and the melty decadence of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, making it a perfect recipe for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal stress.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing dinner guests, this dish is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent and comforting: Creamy, cheesy pasta paired with garlicky chicken is a timeless combination.
• Quick prep, big flavor: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients that pack serious taste.
• Customizable: Swap cheeses, add veggies, or adjust spices for your preferred heat level.
• Family-friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Meal-prep friendly: Perfect for batch cooking; leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need, grouped for clarity:

Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons garlic butter, divided
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta

Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Servings: 4–6

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium pot for pasta
• Whisk for sauce
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create the ultimate cheesy pasta dinner with perfectly cooked garlic butter chicken.

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of garlic butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of garlic butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix to combine, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley. Pair with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips & Variations

• Veggie boost: Add spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra color and nutrients.
• Spicy twist: Increase Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
• Cheese swaps: Try smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and pasta to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is:

• Rich and creamy: Cheese sauce is silky and indulgent.
• Savory with a hint of spice: Cajun seasoning adds warmth without overwhelming.
• Garlicky: Garlic butter brings aromatic depth to both chicken and sauce.

Drink Pairings:

• White wine: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc
• Beer: Pale ale or amber lager
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with a lemon twist or iced tea

Side Suggestions:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Crisp side salad with vinaigrette

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	720 kcal
Protein	48 g
Carbohydrates	55 g
Fat	38 g
Fiber	3 g

Dietary Notes:

• High-protein, indulgent comfort meal
• Gluten-free option available with substitutions
• Not suitable for dairy-free without alternative cheeses and butter

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook pasta ahead: Keep cooked rigatoni in the fridge for up to a day.
• Prep chicken: Season and cut chicken ahead of time for faster assembly.
• Sauce: Make cheese sauce a day ahead and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Storage: Combine pasta and chicken in a single container for easy reheating, or store components separately to maintain texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and add more flavor but may need slightly longer cooking.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Cook the pasta and chicken separately, store in the fridge, and combine with warmed cheese sauce before serving.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Use plant-based chicken substitutes and dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?
A: Whisk constantly when adding milk to the roux and keep heat moderate to low once cheese is added.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total
Prep chicken & ingredients	10 min	–	10 min
Cook pasta	–	10–12 min	10–12 min
Cook chicken	–	5–7 min	5–7 min
Make cheese sauce	–	10 min	10 min
Combine pasta & chicken	2 min	–	2 min
Total	10 min	27–29 min	37–39 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in individual bowls topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
• Pair with toasted garlic breadsticks or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken Rigatoni: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce before mixing with cheese sauce.
2. Mediterranean Style: Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and olives to the pasta.
3. Smoky Bacon Addition: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the pasta for added crunch and flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic Butter

Garlic butter is the star of this recipe. It elevates chicken from ordinary to irresistible. Look for high-quality butter and fresh garlic. Make your own by melting butter and stirring in minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and optional herbs like parsley or thyme. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Pro Tip: Sauté garlic in butter just until fragrant to avoid burning and bitterness.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Evenly cook chicken: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
• Use a roux for creamy sauce: Cooking flour in butter ensures your sauce thickens without clumping.
• Avoid overcooking: Chicken and pasta should be tender but not mushy; remove from heat as soon as done.
• Cheese texture: Grate cheese fresh for smoother melting and creamier sauce.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cooked pasta with sauce: Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
• Cooked chicken: Store separately for 2–3 days in fridge or freeze for 1 month.
• Cheese sauce: Can be frozen in small portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and whisk gently when reheating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	720 kcal	Comfort food indulgence
Protein	48 g	High-protein meal
Carbs	55 g	Can use whole grain pasta for extra fiber
Fat	38 g	From butter and cheese
Fiber	3 g	Add veggies to increase fiber

Conclusion

Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta is comfort food elevated. Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, this dish combines the rich flavors of garlic butter chicken with a luscious, melty pasta sauce. Perfect for family dinners, date nights at home, or anytime you crave something decadent and satisfying, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

With easy prep, customizable ingredients, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Grab your skillet, cook up some chicken, melt that cheese, and let the magic happen this is the ultimate creamy pasta dinner you deserve.

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