Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Herb Chicken & Broccoli is the kind of comforting dinner that brings everything you want together on one delicious plate. Tender, golden chicken is seasoned with fragrant Italian herbs and smoky paprika, then served over hearty rigatoni coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan and mozzarella sauce. Fresh broccoli adds a bright, tender-crisp element that balances the richness of the pasta.
This easy family-style meal is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or whenever you’re craving a satisfying homemade pasta dinner. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the rigatoni, while the melted cheese adds an irresistible gooey finish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings everything together with a touch of freshness.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- About ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni
1. Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente, tender but still slightly firm in the center.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the rigatoni and set it aside. The reserved water can be used later to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
While the pasta is cooking, steam or boil the broccoli florets for approximately 3–4 minutes. You want the broccoli to become tender while keeping its fresh green color and a little bit of bite.
Drain well and set the broccoli aside until ready to assemble the dish.
3. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
The combination of smoky paprika and Italian herbs gives the chicken a flavorful golden crust that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
4. Cook the Chicken Until Golden
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts.
Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until they are deeply golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for several minutes before slicing it into strips.
Allowing the chicken to rest helps keep it juicy and tender.
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture gently simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can blend and the sauce can begin to thicken.
The sauce is where the dish really comes together, and the next step adds the creamy, cheesy texture that makes every bite so satisfying.
6. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with half of the shredded mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is generously coated.
The ridges and hollow center of rigatoni make it especially good for holding onto the rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, ensuring plenty of flavor in every bite.
8. Finish with Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the pasta. Cover the skillet briefly or allow it to sit over low heat until the cheese melts into a soft, gooey layer.
For an even creamier result, gently toss the pasta once more after the mozzarella has melted.
9. Assemble and Serve
Spoon the creamy cheesy rigatoni onto serving plates or a large platter. Arrange the tender broccoli and sliced garlic-herb chicken over the top.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal flavor. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm, creamy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Helpful Tips
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the rigatoni or broccoli. Keeping the pasta al dente gives the finished dish a more satisfying bite, while lightly cooked broccoli adds freshness and texture.
If your sauce becomes thicker than desired, reserved pasta water is the easiest way to loosen it without making it watery. Add it gradually, a tablespoon or two at a time.
You can also slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces instead of strips and mix it directly into the pasta for an easy one-pan presentation.
For extra flavor, freshly grated Parmesan works especially well because it melts smoothly into the cream sauce.
With the creamy pasta assembled and the chicken and broccoli ready, a few simple finishing touches bring the whole dish together beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This creamy rigatoni combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, plenty of melted cheese, and a rich garlic cream sauce in one comforting meal. It feels hearty and indulgent while still including a serving of vegetables, making it a great option for family dinners.
The recipe is also easy to customize. You can add extra broccoli, use another favorite pasta shape, or adjust the amount of cheese depending on how rich and cheesy you want the final dish to be.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serve this creamy, cheesy rigatoni hot and enjoy every bite of the tender garlic-herb chicken, flavorful broccoli, and silky Parmesan-mozzarella sauce.