Description
A creamy and flavorful rigatoni dish with grilled chicken, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spicy)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14–15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Sear on a hot skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side (until cooked through to 165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Carefully pour in vodka. Simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits, until slightly reduced.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Plate the rigatoni, top with sliced chicken, and finish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 180mg