Description

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce is a flavor-rich, creamy pasta dish topped with crisp, seasoned chicken bites. Perfectly coated rigatoni soaks in velvety Alfredo sauce, while garlic butter-crusted chicken adds the ultimate savory crunch. A comforting, indulgent dinner that’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz rigatoni pasta

2 tablespoons butter (for chicken)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Dredge chicken in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Cook chicken until golden and crispy. Set aside.

4. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.

5. In a saucepan, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Stir in Parmesan and mix until smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.

8. Toss rigatoni in the Alfredo sauce.

9. Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken. Garnish with red pepper flakes and parsley.

10. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest Alfredo sauce.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying chicken to maintain crispiness.

To reheat, add a splash of milk to keep the sauce from drying out.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 530mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: chicken alfredo, garlic butter, rigatoni, creamy pasta