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A skillet of creamy rigatoni pasta with golden chicken bites and melted mozzarella cheese
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 920kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb dry rigatoni pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the chicken bites in a single layer.
  • Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic during the last 60 seconds of cooking to prevent burning.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  • Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken bites back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat, adding reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
  • Top the entire dish with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2 minutes or place under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.