Description
Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni
Ingredients:
1 lb rigatoni pasta
2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, heavy cream, and spinach. Stir until spinach is wilted and sauce is heated through.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken to the sauce. Mix well. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and gooey.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired!
Let me know if you’d like additional details or tweaks!
Step-by-Step Guide
For best results, follow this detailed sequence. First, start boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. As it heats, prep your ingredients: cut the chicken, mince the garlic, chop the spinach, and measure your cheeses and sauces. Begin cooking the rigatoni when the water reaches a rolling boil. While it cooks, proceed with the chicken in the skillet. After removing the cooked chicken, use the flavorful fond (browned bits) left in the pan as the base for your sauce. This builds layers of flavor. Once the sauce is simmering and the pasta is al dente, combine everything off the heat, letting the residual warmth melt the cheeses into a creamy, cohesive sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and comforting pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a wine pairing, choose a medium-bodied red like a Chianti or a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish comes together in four key stages: 1) Cook the pasta. 2) Sauté seasoned chicken until golden. 3) In the same pan, create a creamy tomato-spinach sauce. 4) Combine pasta, chicken, and cheeses into the sauce, mixing until perfectly cheesy and served immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Penne, ziti, or fusilli are excellent substitutes that also hold sauce well.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for thickening. You can also use low-fat cheeses.
Can I prepare Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni ahead of time? You can prep components ahead, but combine and bake just before serving. Assemble in a dish, top with extra cheese, cover, and refrigerate. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess, or in the microwave covered.
What can I use instead of spinach? Kale, arugula, or even sun-dried tomatoes work wonderfully. For kale, add it with the sauce to allow time to wilt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook rigatoni to al dente, as it will continue to soften in the hot sauce.
- Crowding the Chicken: Avoid adding all chicken pieces at once if your skillet is small. Cook in batches for a proper sear.
- High Heat for the Sauce: After adding cream, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent curdling or separating.
- Adding Cheese Over Direct High Heat: Remove the skillet from the burner before stirring in the cheeses to ensure a smooth melt.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni is the epitome of hearty, satisfying comfort food. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and pops of fresh spinach make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Don’t forget the final garnish of fresh basil for a bright, finishing touch.