Description
Chicken Riggies is a flavorful and spicy pasta dish originating from Utica, New York, featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with spicy cherry peppers, bell peppers, onions, and a creamy tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for pasta lovers seeking a comforting and hearty meal with a little kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- ½ pound gluten-free rigatoni (or your favorite rigatoni)
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (diced)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup pickled cherry peppers + 2 tablespoons reserved brine
- 14.5 ounces fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
Toppings (Optional)
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces begin to brown.
- Sauté Vegetables and Peppers: Add the sliced red bell pepper, diced onion, pickled cherry peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and develop flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the fire roasted crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and reserved cherry pepper brine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken and the chicken to cook through completely.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and ingredients.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Chicken Riggies hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired, to add extra flavor and a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Bring a touch of upstate New York to your kitchen with Chicken Riggies, a spicy and flavorful dish from Utica that’s made with tender chicken, spicy peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce.
- This recipe is a must-try for all pasta lovers looking for a hearty and spicy dinner.
- You can adjust the amount of cherry peppers to increase or reduce the spice level.
- Using gluten-free rigatoni makes this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Grated parmesan and fresh basil add a lovely finishing touch but are optional based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 543 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 307 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 141 mg
