Creamy Calabrian Chicken Rigatoni 🇮🇹🍝
A rich and comforting Italian-inspired pasta featuring tender chicken, roasted red peppers, Parmesan, and a creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
400g rigatoni pasta
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 roasted red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the rigatoni until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Make the sauce
Add the roasted red pepper and chicken broth.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add chili flakes if using.
4. Combine
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet.
Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while hot.
Chef’s Tip 🇮🇹
For even more flavor, grill the chicken before slicing it into the pasta. The smoky char pairs perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce and sweet roasted peppers. 🍝🧀
