Oh, chicken rigatoni! My stomach starts to rumble just hearing those words. This dish always makes me feel warm and happy, and it has a special place in my heart and my kitchen. I remember the first time I had chicken rigatoni at a friend’s house. The smell floated through the air and wrapped around the dinner table like a warm hug. Since that day, I’ve been trying out different recipes until I found the perfect mix of flavors that makes my taste buds sing. Now I’m excited to share this delicious dish with you!
The hearty rigatoni pasta, juicy chicken, and rich, creamy sauce, which is often flavored with garlic, herbs, and maybe a sprinkle of cheese on top, are all so satisfying. Chicken rigatoni is the perfect dish for a family meal, a party, or just to make something tasty after a long day. Let’s get started on this simple chicken rigatoni recipe that everyone will love. Grab a comfy apron.
What goes into Chicken Rigatoni?
Let’s go over the main ingredients that will make this tasty dish.
Rigatoni Pasta: The star of the show! Rigatoni is a short, tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the sauce well, making sure that every bite is full of flavor. I like to use whole wheat rigatoni because it has more fiber, but regular rigatoni works just as well.
Tender, juicy chicken breast will be the main source of protein in our dish. You can use thighs if you want more flavor and moisture, but I like boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they are easier to work with.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil is necessary to give the chicken a rich flavor and to cook it. For the best taste, look for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Garlic: I love garlic, and I say so! Fresh minced garlic really makes this dish taste better and gives it that smell that fills your kitchen.
Heavy cream is what makes it rich and creamy. As the heavy cream cooks, it will get thicker and make a rich sauce. If you want something lighter, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy substitute instead.
Parmesan Cheese: When you grate Parmesan cheese fresh, it gives food a salty, nutty flavor that can’t be beat. I always say to grate your cheese fresh; it really makes a difference in how it tastes!
I like to add fresh spinach for a splash of color and extra nutrition. It wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding more vitamins and minerals to it.
Italian seasoning is a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds flavor to a dish without being too strong. This mix of spices is a must-have in my kitchen!
Salt and pepper are simple but very important. These simple spices bring out the flavors in all the food.
Is Chicken Rigatoni Healthy?
You might be wondering if it’s healthy to eat chicken rigatoni right now. Let’s take a closer look!
Chicken breast is a great addition to this dish because it is high in protein and low in fat. It helps you feel full and can help your muscles grow and heal.
Whole Wheat Rigatoni: Whole wheat pasta has more fiber than regular pasta. Fiber is important for good digestion and can help you feel full longer, which is a good thing in my book!
Spinach is a leafy green that is full of iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants. Adding spinach not only makes it healthier, but it also makes it taste and look better.
This dish has some healthy parts, but it’s important to remember that heavy cream and cheese can add a lot of fat and calories. You can change your rigatoni here: try using cream with less fat or dairy-free options, and if you’re watching your cheese intake, don’t go overboard.
So, chicken rigatoni can be part of a healthy meal, but it’s best to eat it in moderation and with a lot of fruits and vegetables.
List of Ingredients
Are you ready to make your own simple chicken rigatoni? To serve about four people, you’ll need:
– 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta – 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil – 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of thick cream
– ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese – 2 cups of fresh spinach – 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– Add salt and pepper to taste
How do you make chicken rigatoni?
Let’s start cooking! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.
1. **Boil the pasta:** Put a lot of salt in a big pot of water and bring it to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it according to the directions on the package until it is al dente. Save 1 cup of the pasta water for later and then drain the pasta.
2. **Fry the chicken:** Put the olive oil in a big skillet and heat it up over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper the chicken pieces. When the oil is hot, put the chicken in the pan and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Take the chicken out of the skillet and put it to the side.
3. **Prepare the garlic:** Put the minced garlic in the same skillet and turn the heat down to medium. Cook for about a minute, or until it smells good, but don’t let it burn.
4. **Make the sauce:** Add the heavy cream and stir it into the garlic. Let it simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it thickens a little.
5. **Add the cheese:** Slowly stir the Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until it melts and is well mixed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the pasta water you saved to make it the right thickness.
6. **Put in the spinach:** Add the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce for one to two minutes.
7. **Mix:** Put the sautéed chicken back in the skillet and add the rigatoni that has already been cooked. Add the Italian seasoning and toss everything together gently. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed.
8. **Serve:** Put some chicken rigatoni on plates with a ladle, and if you want, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top to finish. Have fun!
Suggestions for Serving and Variations
What can you serve with this creamy chicken rigatoni now that you’ve made it? Here are some suggestions:
– **Salad:** A simple vinaigrette and a light side salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes would be the perfect light side dish.
– Garlic Bread: Every plate of pasta needs a side of garlic bread. It soaks up that tasty sauce perfectly!
– **Pairing with wine:** If you like wine, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a smooth red wine like Chianti goes well with this dish.
You can change things up a bit to make them different! A few ideas are:
1. **Add Veggies:** You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms, all of which would go well with the dish.
2. **Add Some Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh basil to give it more flavor if you like it hot.
3. **Change of Protein:** Want to change things up? You can make this dish vegetarian by using shrimp, sausage, or even mushrooms.
4. “Herb Up”: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can make food taste great. Just put some on top right before you serve!
5. **Cheesy Delight:** You can add other cheeses, like mozzarella or fontina, to the Parmesan to make it even cheesier!
I love how flexible this recipe is; you can really make it your own and change the flavors to suit your taste buds!
As you start this chicken rigatoni adventure, I want you to make this dish your own. Following a recipe is only part of cooking; it’s also about finding out what you like and having fun while you do it. So get your family and friends together at the table and enjoy every delicious bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and tell me what you think! Have fun cooking!
