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Creamy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 300 reviews

Creamy Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting, quick dinner recipe featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces and al dente rigatoni pasta coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach and a hint of garlic. This dish blends hearty pasta with a luscious sauce that’s simple to make and perfect for weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dish:

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing to help the sauce adhere better.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate their flavor.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously, allowing it to melt evenly and thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add chopped spinach and red pepper flakes if using. Cook together for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and brightens.
  6. Mix in the Pasta: Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and distribute the chicken and spinach throughout.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting, creamy chicken rigatoni!

Notes

  • Use whole wheat rigatoni for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but check the cooking time as it may be slightly longer.
  • If you don’t have heavy cream, substitute with half-and-half or mix 3/4 cup milk with 1/4 cup melted butter as an alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini by sautéing them alongside garlic before adding the cream for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • To avoid sauce curdling, heat the cream gently without boiling and add cheese gradually, stirring well to incorporate.

Keywords: creamy chicken rigatoni, chicken pasta recipe, creamy pasta with spinach, quick weeknight dinner, rigatoni recipes

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/creamy-chicken-rigatoni-recipe/