Chicken Riggies
A beloved upstate New York classic! Tender chicken and rigatoni pasta tossed in a spicy, creamy tomato sauce with sweet bell peppers and hot cherry peppers. Pure comfort food with a kick.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the pasta
- a.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt, then the rigatoni. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Sear the chicken
- a.While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- 3
Sauté the aromatics
- a.Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 5-6 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4
Build the sauce
- a.Pour in the dry sherry to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for about 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sliced hot cherry peppers, cherry pepper brine, dried oregano, remaining 1 tsp salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.
- 5
Finish the dish
- a.Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and uniformly pink. Do not let it boil. Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in half of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve. Divide the Chicken Riggies among four bowls. Garnish with the remaining Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook it in batches if necessary to get a good brown crust.
- 2The starchy pasta water is key to a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Don't forget to reserve it before draining.
- 3Adjust the amount of hot cherry peppers and their brine to control the spice level. Start with less and add more to taste.
- 4For a richer flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage along with the chicken.
- 5This dish is best served immediately, as cream sauces can sometimes separate when reheated.
- 6Use a good quality rigatoni with bronze-cut ridges (the 'righe') to help the sauce cling to every nook and cranny.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Substitute half or all of the chicken with an equal amount of crumbled hot or sweet Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and use 1 lb of sliced mushrooms (like cremini or portobello) and a can of chickpeas, added with the bell peppers.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lower-fat sauce. The texture will be slightly less rich.
Pasta SwapPasta Swap
If you don't have rigatoni, other tube-shaped pastas like penne, ziti, or paccheri work well as they capture the sauce effectively.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and improved skin health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the rigatoni pasta are a primary source of energy for the body, fueling your brain, muscles, and daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Chicken Riggies recipe contains approximately 850-950 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, especially the heavy cream, cheese, and chicken.