Cheesy Rigatoni and Chicken
Cheesy Rigatoni and Chicken
Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Cheesy Rigatoni and Chicken recipe delivers everything you want in a cozy pasta dish—tender, golden pan-fried chicken bites and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta smothered in a rich, homemade parmesan cheese sauce. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or just want a creamy, cheesy meal that hits the spot, this recipe brings both simplicity and satisfaction to the table. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality pasta dish ready in under 40 minutes.
For more crave-worthy comfort food, check out our Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni, Dinner ideas, or full Pasta Recipe Hub featuring hundreds of reader-loved recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love cheesy pasta and crispy chicken
Quick and easy – Ready in under 40 minutes
Made with pantry staples – No fancy ingredients, just real, wholesome food
Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Restaurant-quality flavor at home
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy pasta dishes or you love serving up crispy chicken recipes for dinner, this cheesy rigatoni combo will not disappoint.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1–1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (Progresso recommended)
- 3 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (or one cube, crushed)
- 2 cups whole milk (or half & half for richness)
- 1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Extra parmesan for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Season and Bread the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic salt, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll the chicken pieces in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat.
Step 3: Pan Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chicken in batches and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Tip: Try making our Easy Italian Chicken Bites on their own to serve with salads, wraps, or snacks!
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
Stir in chicken bouillon and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and add the parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat. Plate the cheesy pasta and top generously with the crispy chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan.
What to Serve with Cheesy Rigatoni and Chicken
This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Homemade Garlic Bread or breadsticks
- A crisp Classic Italian salad or mixed greens
- Baked Pineapple Casserole for a sweet-savory contrast
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
Tips for Success
- Use fresh parmesan cheese: It melts smoother and creates a silkier sauce than pre-shredded.
- Chicken bouillon adds depth: It brings a savory, rich base flavor without overpowering the cheese.
- Rigatoni holds sauce well: Its hollow shape captures all that creamy goodness in every bite.
- Air fry your chicken: For a lighter version, air fry the breaded chicken at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add-Ins and Variations
Want to switch it up? Here are a few ways to customize:
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the pasta for extra veggies.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella, asiago, or white cheddar for a cheesy twist.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
- Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Don’t forget to explore our full Dinner Ideas Hub for more easy, family-approved meals.
Storing and Reheating
This cheesy rigatoni and chicken stores well and makes excellent leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze chicken only: The breaded chicken freezes well, but cream sauces may separate when thawed.
More Cheesy Favorites You’ll Love:
Be sure to visit our Pasta Recipes Hub for hundreds of creative and comforting pasta dishes your family will love.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Rigatoni and Chicken is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. The crispy, seasoned chicken paired with the velvety parmesan sauce is comfort food done right—easy, fast, and unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something cozy and delicious, this pasta dish checks every box.
