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Chicken Rigatoni

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Chicken Rigatoni is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, rigatoni noodles, and your choice of a creamy or tomato-based sauce. It’s comforting, versatile, and quick enough for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce (for tomato-based version)
  • OR 1 cup heavy cream + 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for creamy version)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. For tomato-based sauce: Add crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5–10 minutes.
  5. For creamy sauce: Add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and simmer until slightly thickened, 3–5 minutes.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained rigatoni, and toss everything together until heated through.
  7. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • You can mix cream and marinara for a creamy tomato “blush” sauce.
  • Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works great for shortcuts.
  • Add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chicken-rigatoni/