Chicken Riggies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Riggies is a delicious, hearty pasta dish that combines tender chicken with rigatoni pasta in a creamy, flavorful tomato-based sauce. A beloved specialty from Central New York, this dish offers the perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors, with just the right amount of kick from the peppers and red pepper flakes. The combination of chicken, pasta, and sauce creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, Chicken Riggies is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), heavy cream, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Riggies: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a fresh chopped jalapeño or banana pepper for more heat.
• Vegetarian Riggies: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Chicken and Sausage Riggies: Add cooked Italian sausage along with the chicken for a heartier, more flavorful dish.
• Creamy Tomato Riggies: For a richer sauce, add more heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Chicken Riggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, adding a little liquid to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They are juicier and can add even more flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cook them through before adding to the sauce.

Can I make Chicken Riggies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Riggies ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce and pasta together.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

To make the sauce spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add some chopped fresh jalapeños, or use a hotter variety of chili pepper.

Can I use non-dairy alternatives?

Yes, you can use a non-dairy cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, to make this dish dairy-free. You can also skip the Parmesan for a vegan version.

What can I serve with Chicken Riggies?

Chicken Riggies pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a glass  to complement the dish.

Can I freeze Chicken Riggies?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat properly. You may need to add a little extra liquid when reheating if the sauce thickens.

How do I make this dish more flavorful?

You can add more herbs, such as fresh thyme or oregano, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!

Is Chicken Riggies gluten-free?

You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all your other ingredients are gluten-free (such as checking the seasoning mix and broth).

Can I make Chicken Riggies without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream.

Conclusion

Chicken Riggies is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that brings together the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or something to serve to guests, this dish delivers both flavor and satisfaction. With its versatility and ease of preparation, Chicken Riggies will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Chicken Riggies

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jane
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty, flavorful pasta dish with juicy chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with its comforting flavors.

---

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions, drain, and set aside.

• While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

• Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

• Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, depending on your spice preference.

• Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to combine.

• Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

• Serve the Chicken Riggies hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish.

• If you like your Chicken Riggies extra spicy, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add some diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and garlic.

• For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though it may not be as rich and creamy

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian