Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni

Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy households or when you want to impress your guests.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Prepping the Vegetables

1. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion and dice the red bell pepper. Mince the garlic.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sautéing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Steps to Make the Sauce

1. Combine Cream and Broth: Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add Cheese: Gradually add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Combining the Ingredients

Mixing the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken pieces to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce.

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a large baking dish.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Garnishing Ideas

• Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
• Cheese: Grate a little extra Parmesan on top.

Best Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: Chicken provides lean protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in Calcium: Cheese adds a good amount of calcium for bone health.
• Moderate in Carbs: Balanced with healthy fats and protein for sustained energy.

Tips for Success

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is al dente to avoid mushiness.
• Curdled Sauce: Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent curdling.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese will enhance the flavor.
• Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.

Variations of the Recipe

Alternative Ingredients

• Turkey or Shrimp: Substitute turkey or shrimp for the chicken.
• Different Cheeses: Try using gouda or fontina for a different flavor profile.

Different Cooking Methods

• Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients except the pasta and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cooked pasta just before serving.
• Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for the chicken and vegetables, then pressure cook for 10 minutes before adding the pasta.

Pairing with Beverages

Best Drink Options

• White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well.
• Red Wine: A light red such as Pinot Noir.

Non-Alcoholic Choices

• Sparkling Water: Serve with a slice of lemon or lime.
• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea works well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave on medium power, stirring every minute until heated through.

Can You Freeze It?

• Yes, cheesy chicken rigatoni freezes well. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow these steps and tips to create a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Enjoy!

FAQs

What can I use instead of rigatoni?

You can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or any other tubular pasta.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just add it to the skillet when combining the ingredients.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?

Thin the sauce with additional chicken broth or a splash of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

Yield: 8 people

Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni

Print

Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy households or when you want to impress your guests.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 12- oz Rigatoni (4-½ cups dry)
• 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
• 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese
• Cheese Sauce:
• 1 (10.5-oz) can cheese soup
• 1 (5-oz) can evaporated milk
• 1¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

• In a large saucepan, combine cheese soup, evaporated milk, heavy cream and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until sauce comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, until sauce thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and pepper.

• In a large bowl combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup and cheese sauce.

• Spoon pasta into prepared dish. Sprinkle casserole with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup parmesan cheese.

• Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.