Irresistible Chicken Riggies: A Comforting Pasta Delight

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There’s something magical about Chicken Riggies that makes my taste buds do a happy dance. This dish, with its creamy sauce and tender chicken, is a comforting hug on a plate. Picture this: succulent chicken simmered in a rich, zesty sauce, mingling with bell peppers and onions, served over pasta. It’s like an Italian-American love story that leaves you craving more.

Every time I make Chicken Riggies, I’m reminded of the first time I tasted it at my Aunt Louisa’s kitchen table. The aroma wafted through the air like a warm embrace, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. Now, this dish has become my go-to for family gatherings and cozy nights in. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • You’ll whip up this Chicken Riggies recipe easily, even if you’re not a culinary whiz
  • Its flavor profile balances spiciness and creaminess perfectly
  • Vibrant colors and aromas ensure it’s not just delicious but also visually appealing on your table
  • This dish fits any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive celebrations

I still remember my friends’ faces during our last dinner party when they took their first bites of Chicken Riggies – pure bliss!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size.

  • Fresh Garlic: Firm bulbs yield the best flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic superstar.

  • Red Bell Pepper: Choose a vibrant one for sweetness and color; it adds life to your dish.

  • Onion: A medium-sized onion will add depth; sauté until it’s soft and fragrant.

  • Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and luscious; you can substitute with half-and-half for lighter fare.

  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add these to suit your spice tolerance; they bring the heat!

  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor; sprinkle generously before serving.

For the Sauce:

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor; it’s crucial for balance.

  • Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing; it adds richness to the dish.

  • Pasta: Choose your favorite type; penne or rigatoni hold onto the sauce beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Chicken Riggies

How to Make Chicken Riggies

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients before starting. Chop garlic and onion finely while slicing bell peppers into strips for easy cooking.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes each side.

Add Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions and garlic once chicken is cooked through. Sauté until onions become translucent and release their sweet aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Veggies: Stir in sliced red bell peppers along with crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick. Cook until peppers soften slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet while scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Toss with Pasta: Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and combine it with the sauce mixture in the skillet.

Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top as a finishing touch!

You Must Know

  • Chicken Riggies is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table
  • It’s easy to customize, ensuring everyone loves it
  • The aroma of simmering sauce and tender chicken will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian trattoria

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing a rich sauce for maximum efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or add veggies such as bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To ensure your Chicken Riggies shines, use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor impact
  • Always taste your sauce before serving; balance is key
  • For added depth, let your sauce simmer longer for richer flavors that will impress everyone at the table

There’s nothing quite like seeing my family dig into Chicken Riggies and hearing them rave about it. It became our go-to dish during family gatherings, always sparking laughter and memories.

FAQ

What are Chicken Riggies?

Chicken Riggies is a pasta dish featuring chicken, rigatoni, and a spicy tomato-cream sauce.

Can I make Chicken Riggies vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?

Simmer the sauce longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate and thicken beautifully.

Print
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Chicken Riggies


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  • Author: Clara Rosewood
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Chicken Riggies is a delectable Italian-American pasta dish that features succulent chicken simmered in a creamy, zesty sauce. Vibrant bell peppers and onions mingle with the tender meat, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. With its delightful blend of flavors and colors, Chicken Riggies will have everyone coming back for seconds!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Instructions

  1. 1. Prep your ingredients: Finely chop garlic and onion; slice bell pepper into strips.
  2. 2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  3. 3. Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onions and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. 4. Incorporate veggies: Mix in sliced red bell peppers and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  5. 5. Create the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping browned bits from the skillet. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
  6. 6. Toss with pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and mix with the sauce in the skillet.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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Clara Rosewood

Hi, I’m Clara Rosewood! Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, I discovered my love for cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, I’ve traveled across the country exploring flavors and cooking techniques. This website is my passion project—a place to share delicious recipes that bring people together, one meal at a time. Welcome to my culinary journey!

Chef Clara