Hungry Friends! If you’re in the mood for something that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, then you’re going to love Easy Chicken Riggies. This dish is a hearty, saucy pasta favorite hailing from Central New York, and it’s famous for its rich, creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of heat. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.

Imagine juicy chicken simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, spiced just right with cherry peppers, and tossed with al dente rigatoni. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy. This is comfort food at its finest—a dish that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings.

Recipe Summary

Easy Chicken Riggies Recipe combines tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce with just the right amount of heat from cherry peppers. This dish is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

Exciting Story

This dish has a special place in our family’s dinner rotation. The first time I made Chicken Riggies, my husband couldn’t stop raving about it. It quickly became one of those meals that we look forward to, especially on chilly evenings when all you want is something warm and comforting. My kids love it too—although I dial down the heat for them—and I love how easy it is to prepare. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and eager appetites.

Why This Easy Chicken Riggies Recipe?

Comfort in a Bowl: This dish is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, saucy, and full of flavor.
Spice Level Control: You can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste by adding more or fewer cherry peppers.
Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both adults and kids, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Quick and Simple: Despite its rich flavor, this dish is easy to make and comes together in about 30 minutes.

How to Make Easy Chicken Riggies Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and sliced cherry peppers. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips For Easy Chicken Riggies Recipe

Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicier, add more cherry peppers or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the number of peppers or omit them entirely.
Cheese It Up: For an extra cheesy version, stir in some shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese before serving.
Leftover Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra for leftovers.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap the Pasta: You can use penne, ziti, or any short pasta shape if you don’t have rigatoni on hand.
Make it Veggie: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Add Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color.

Make a Healthier Version

Lighten Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular rigatoni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make it healthier.
Lower the Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and go light on the added salt.

Closing For Easy Chicken Riggies Recipe

And there you have it! Easy Chicken Riggies Recipes is the perfect dish for those nights when you want something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Be sure to share your version with us, and don’t forget to explore more of our easy and flavorful recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Chicken Riggies Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even rotini would work well with this sauce.

How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce the number of cherry peppers or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

Can I freeze Chicken Riggies?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or peas would be great additions.

Is there a dairy-free option?
You can use a dairy-free cream alternative and leave out the Parmesan cheese, or substitute it with a vegan cheese option.