Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni Recipe

If you’re after the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni. This dish takes tender bites of juicy, garlicky chicken and envelops them in a decadent blanket of rich, velvety cheese sauce, all wrapped up in perfectly cooked rigatoni. It’s the dinner everyone will beg you to make again—think creamy, cozy pasta meets irresistible golden chicken in every forkful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of kitchen staples can magically turn into a show-stopping meal. Each ingredient in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni brings something special—whether it’s the melt-in-your-mouth chicken, the buttery sauce, or the oozy, cheesy goodness.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1.5 lbs): Cut into bite-sized pieces so every morsel soaks up the sauce and stays juicy.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps brown the chicken perfectly and adds subtle flavor.
• Butter (3 tbsp for chicken, 2 tbsp for pasta): The secret to that luscious, silky texture in both the chicken bites and the sauce.
• Garlic (1 tbsp, minced): The star ingredient for a punch of savoriness that’s simply addictive.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings herby complexity and depth to the chicken.
• Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
• Salt (2 tsp, divided): Essential for balancing flavors in both the chicken and the pasta.
• Pepper (1/4 tsp, divided): A little touch of sharp heat that ties it all together.
• Rigatoni pasta (10 oz): Sturdy tubes that hold onto all that creamy sauce for perfect bites.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): The backbone of the luxurious, rich sauce.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Boosts savory depth while keeping the sauce light and flavorful.
• Cream cheese (8 oz block, softened): Ensures an extra smooth, velvety sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella (1 ½ cups): For that epic stretch and comforting cheesiness.
• Grated Parmesan (½ cup): Pops with a little sharp saltiness in every mouthful.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Doubles down on garlicky flavor throughout the sauce.
• Cajun seasoning (1 tsp, optional): Just a hint brings a mild kick and an extra layer of spice.
• Reserved pasta water (up to 1 cup): Loosens the sauce to your perfect consistency if needed.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh finish for color and vibrancy.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Bites

Start by tossing your chicken bites with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet, making sure it shimmers before adding the chicken. Sear the pieces for about 6 to 7 minutes until they’re beautiful and golden with those delicious crispy edges. That initial sizzle is pure flavor in the making!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Butter

Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, lower the heat slightly and toss in the butter and minced garlic. Stir it around for a minute or two—just until the garlic is ultra fragrant and the butter fuses with all those browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Remove the chicken and set aside—you’ll want to steal a bite, but trust me, it gets even better!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan (no need to clean; those savory bits are gold!), pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape up anything stuck to the bottom, then gently bring to a simmer. Pour in the rigatoni pasta—it’ll cook right in the creamy liquid, soaking up flavor as it softens. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pasta is almost al dente.

Step 4: Make it Ultra Creamy

Turn the heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and you have a dreamy, smooth base. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning if you like a little warmth, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce is thick, shiny, and coats the pasta luxuriously. If it gets too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it’s just right!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the garlic butter chicken bites and any juices to the pan. Toss everything together so the chicken is luminous with the creamy rigatoni sauce. Just before serving, scatter over a generous handful of fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot—and enjoy the magic of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni at its best!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is an absolute must for a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. You can also sprinkle on extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for boldness. Try a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to finish for a touch of richness nothing else can match.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad dotted with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a splash of tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy flavors. Rustic garlic bread or a warm baguette lets you mop up every drop of sauce, ensuring no bite goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style charm, serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni in a large, shallow bowl right at the table. Hosting a dinner party? Portion it into elegant ramekins or mini cocottes and top each with extra cheese and herbs. Even spooning it into thermoses makes for a comforting lunch on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep their flavor and creamy texture for up to three days. When stored properly, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni is just as comforting the next day!

Freezing

If you want to save some for a later date, portion into freezer-safe containers and let cool completely before freezing. While the sauce may thicken slightly upon thawing, a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating brings it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the leftovers into a pot or skillet over low heat. Add a bit of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water and stir gently until everything is hot and creamy again. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the sauce stays silky and the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is classic for its ability to hold the creamy sauce, penne, fusilli, or even shells make great substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some pasta shapes cook faster than others.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

No problem! You can swap in mascarpone or even a bit of ricotta for a slightly different but still creamy texture. The flavor will be slightly less tangy, but it’s delicious in a pinch.

Is there a lighter option for the sauce?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream or choose a reduced-fat cream cheese. The dish will still be creamy, just a little lighter and less decadent.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep both the chicken and the sauce separately a day ahead. Store them in the fridge, then toss together and reheat gently before serving. This makes dinner a breeze, especially on busy nights.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! The optional Cajun seasoning adds a mild kick, but you can sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to fit your heat preference. Personalize it however you like!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites w Creamy Rigatoni is pure cozy flavor in a bowl—the kind of dish you crave after a long day or when you’re looking to impress someone special. Give it a try and watch every bite disappear! You might just find it becomes your new signature comfort meal.

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