Creamy Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting pasta dish that features tender chicken and big rigatoni noodles, all covered in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s like a warm hug on your plate!
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just cook the chicken, toss everything together, and dinner is ready! Perfect for busy nights or when you need a little extra coziness! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: This pasta shape holds sauce beautifully. If you can’t find rigatoni, penne or fusilli are great substitutes. They also work well with creamy sauces!
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is my go-to for quick cooking. You can use thighs for juicier meat or even swap in leftover rotisserie chicken to save time!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or a mixture of cream and milk. It won’t be as rich but still gives a nice creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes amazing. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or an Italian blend can work just as well.
How Can I Make Sure My Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to a successful creamy sauce is to heat it gently. This lets the flavors blend without scorching. Here’s how to keep it creamy:
- After adding the cream, lower the heat to medium. This prevents curdling.
- Stir continuously; this helps the cheese melt smoothly and avoids separation.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for just a few minutes. You want it thickened but not boiled.
With these tips, you’ll have a rich, luscious sauce to coat your rigatoni perfectly! Enjoy your cooking! 🍜
How to Make Creamy Chicken Rigatoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
For the Greens:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
To Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese, if desired
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep work and 20 minutes for cooking. Just enough time to create a delicious, comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas!
4. Deglaze with Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any tasty browned bits off the bottom. This will add extra flavor to your sauce.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Allow this mixture to gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the Chicken and Spinach:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts—this adds a lovely color and nutrition to your dish!
7. Combine with the Rigatoni:
Toss the drained rigatoni into the skillet, mixing everything together so that the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce and chicken.
8. Season and Serve:
Give everything a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your Creamy Chicken Rigatoni hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and some extra Parmesan if you’d like!
Enjoy your rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Rigatoni! It’s sure to be a favorite at your dinner table!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat rigatoni or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences! Just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary, as different pasta shapes may require different cooking durations.
How Can I Store Leftover Creamy Chicken Rigatoni?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without drying it out.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of evaporated milk and regular milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the onions to soften them before adding the cream.
