Hi there! I’m Anne Carter, and today I want to share my take on Chicken Riggies with you all. If you’ve been following my blog, Beyond the Bayou, you know I love putting my own spin on classic dishes.
This chicken riggies recipe is no exception. It’s a hearty pasta dish that originated in Utica, New York, but I’ve tweaked it to suit my taste buds and, hopefully, yours too. I first tried chicken riggies when a friend from upstate New York made it for me, and I was hooked from the first bite.
The creamy sauce, the kick of heat, and the tender chicken all come together to make a truly satisfying meal. Over time, I’ve played around with the recipe, adjusting the spice level and adding a few extra veggies. This dish has become a go-to in my house, especially on chilly evenings when we need something warm and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Riggies?
- Customizable Heat: Whether you crave a fiery kick with hot cherry peppers or prefer a gentle warmth with just a hint of red pepper flakes, you can tailor the spice level to suit your taste buds perfectly.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Despite its delicious complexity, this dish comes together with pantry staples. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly memorable.
- Quick and Easy: Busy weeknights rejoice! You can whip up this flavorful meal in under an hour. It’s a lifesaver when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Substitutions And Variations For Chicken Riggies!
- Protein Power: While chicken is traditional, feel free to swap it out with pork tenderloin, kielbasa, sausage, shrimp, cooked ham, or even leftover turkey for a delightful twist on flavors and textures.
- Pasta Possibilities: Rigatoni is the classic choice, but any pasta you love will do. Experiment with homemade pasta if you’re feeling adventurous; just note that cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on it!
- Cheese Charm: Get creative with cheese! Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack can each bring a unique zing to the dish. Choose your favorite to add that extra layer of flavor.
- Herbaceous Hints: Elevate the dish with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme. Each herb lends its own distinctive flavor, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Chicken Riggies Recipe
A New York staple for a rich, fast, and filling dinner of tender chicken and cozy rigatoni pasta in a creamy tomato sauce bursting with aromas of sweetness and spice, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs!
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Calories: 932kcal
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Spoon
- Colander
- Spatula
- serving bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon garlic finely chopped
- 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless skinless
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon garlic fiely chopped
- 3 cherry peppers chopped hot or sweet peppers seeds and stems removed
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
- ½ salt season to taste
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes San Marzano crushed by hand or with immersion blender
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ¾ cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated – locatelli brand is my preference
- 1 cup reserved pasta water use if needed
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente.
- Season and cook chicken in olive oil until done, set aside.
- Sauté bell peppers until soft.
- Add garlic, cook until fragrant, then add cherry peppers.
- Deglaze with red wine, reduce by half.
- Add tomatoes, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream, simmer until thickened.
- Cut chicken, add to sauce with pasta.
- Adjust sauce with pasta water if needed.
- Mix in Pecorino Romano, simmer briefly.
- Garnish with basil, serve with cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 932kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 732mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 4mg
What To Serve With Chicken Riggies?
