I have to say, making Chicken Riggies was an absolute delight! It’s one of those comforting dishes that fills the kitchen with tantalizing aromas and brings everyone to the table. The combination of tender chicken, spicy peppers, and creamy tomato sauce over rigatoni is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking for family or dinner guests, this dish never fails to impress. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this gem from Utica, New York, you’ll crave it again and again.
Credit: houseofnasheats
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish. Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that signature Chicken Riggies flavor!
- Rigatoni pasta (½ pound): Rigatoni is hearty and holds the sauce beautifully with its ridged texture. Feel free to use regular or gluten-free options.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps in sautéing the chicken and vegetables to perfection.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 pound): Thighs are juicier than breasts, giving the dish a rich flavor. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and an herby aroma.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Sweet and vibrant, it balances the heat from the cherry peppers.
- Onion (1, diced): A classic base for any savory sauce to build flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must-have for its robust taste.
- Pickled cherry peppers (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons brine): The star ingredient for that spicy kick! Adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance.
- Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces): These add a smoky richness to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce creamy and luscious. You can substitute with fat-free half-and-half or oat milk for a lighter option.
- Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds extra freshness and an elegant touch at the end.
Note: Ingredients listed yield about 4 servings of Chicken Riggies. Adjust quantities as needed for more or fewer portions.
Variations
Here are a few creative ways to adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- For less heat, reduce the cherry peppers or replace their brine with pasta water.
- Amp up the spice by adding crushed red pepper flakes or more cherry peppers.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage or precooked shredded chicken as a time-saver.
You can also enjoy similar recipes like this Chicken Milanese Recipe for another comforting chicken dish.
Cooking Time
Here’s the approximate time you’ll need for this recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make Chicken Riggies, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large pot: To boil the rigatoni.
- Large skillet or sauté pan: Perfect for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board: For prepping the chicken and vegetables.
How to Make Chicken Riggies Recipe?
Prepare the Rigatoni
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. You’ll want to aim for al dente, as it will absorb a bit of sauce later on. Once done, drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden. Next, add the red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and cherry peppers. Sauté everything together until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.
Make the Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and reserved pepper brine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Toss in the Pasta
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat each piece with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and basil before serving.
Credit: hostthetoast
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
I’ve made this recipe a few times, and here are some tips that make it even better:
- Use fresh Parmesan instead of the pre-grated variety for a creamier topping.
- Reserve a small scoop of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it looks too thick.
- Slice the cherry peppers finely for better distribution of heat in every bite.
- If you’re making this for kids or spice-sensitive eaters, replace cherry peppers with more bell peppers.
How to Serve Chicken Riggies Recipe?
Presentation matters, even for a cozy meal like this! Serve Chicken Riggies in a wide, shallow bowl with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a sprig of basil on top. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a green salad to balance the flavors. If you’re entertaining, place the dish on the table family-style for a relaxed and inviting vibe. For more chicken-based inspirations, check out this Chicken Fricassee Recipe, which offers a rich and creamy twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional profile per serving:
- Calories: 543
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 26g
Make Ahead and Storage
- Restoring: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and heat in a skillet over medium heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Chicken Riggies isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a unique and bold recipe that’s sure to win you over:
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Loaded with bold, spicy flavors that pack a punch.
- Versatile and customizable with endless variations.
- Comforting and hearty, ideal for chilly nights or when you crave something wholesome.
- Great for leftovers, as the flavors only deepen over time.
Dive into the world of Chicken Riggies today, and experience why this Utica classic is a favorite for pasta lovers everywhere. Whether you tweak it to suit your taste or stick to the original, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite! Explore more chicken recipes for more taste.
Chicken Riggies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. You’ll want to aim for al dente, as it will absorb a bit of sauce later on. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden. Next, add the red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and cherry peppers. Sauté everything together until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Lower the heat slightly and stir in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and reserved pepper brine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat each piece with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and basil before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan instead of the pre-grated variety for a creamier topping.
- Reserve a small scoop of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it looks too thick.
- Slice the cherry peppers finely for better distribution of heat in every bite.
- If you’re making this for kids or spice-sensitive eaters, replace cherry peppers with more bell peppers.
