Rustic Elegance: Chicken Riggies is a beloved Italian-American dish that hails from the Utica, New York region, offering a delectable combination of tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a spicy, creamy tomato sauce. This dish is renowned for its rich flavors and comforting essence, blending the heartiness of pasta with the zest of hot peppers and the creaminess of a tomato-based sauce. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or any occasion that calls for a satisfying and robust meal, Chicken Riggies is a culinary delight that promises to warm the heart and tantalize the taste buds.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Riggies:
- Hearty and Flavorful: A sumptuous blend of pasta, chicken, and sauce that’s both filling and bursting with taste.
- Spicy Kick: The inclusion of hot peppers or pepper flakes adds a delightful heat that can be adjusted to your liking.
- Comfort Food Classic: Known for its homey and indulgent nature, this dish is a staple in comfort cuisine.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences, making it a universal crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Notes For Chicken Riggies:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, form the protein base.
- Rigatoni Pasta: This large, ridged pasta is ideal for holding onto the rich sauce.
- Tomatoes: A mix of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste creates a thick, flavorful sauce.
- Peppers: Bell peppers and hot cherry peppers (or pepperoncini) add sweetness and heat.
- Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half gives the sauce its luxurious, silky texture.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory finish to the dish.
- Seasonings: Garlic, onions, herbs, and spices enhance the overall depth of flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season and sauté chicken pieces in a large pan until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, cook onions, garlic, and peppers, then add the tomatoes and simmer. Stir in the cream to create a rich sauce.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce, heating through to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving hot.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce moist.
How to Make Delicious Chicken Riggies at Home
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 2–3 hot cherry peppers, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and hot cherry peppers until soft and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Riggies hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
