Delicious Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta Recipe

Nov 16, 2025 by Alex Braham 44 views

Hey foodies! Ever craved a dish that's both comforting and packed with flavor? Well, you're in for a treat because today we're diving headfirst into a delicious chicken penne rigate pasta recipe that's guaranteed to become a new favorite. This isn't just any pasta; it's a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. We're talking about perfectly cooked penne rigate, tender chicken, a creamy, flavorful sauce, and all the good stuff that makes you go, "Mmm, that's good!" So, grab your aprons, and let's get cooking! This recipe is all about creating a balance of flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out veggies or add a little heat if you're feeling adventurous. The beauty of cooking is that you can always adjust to your taste, right?

This recipe is designed to be straightforward, even for those who might not be the most experienced cooks. We'll walk through each step, from prepping the ingredients to serving up a steaming plate of deliciousness. You'll find that with a few simple techniques and fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. It's a fantastic way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to something special. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this chicken penne rigate recipe is your ticket to a satisfying and flavorful meal. Get ready to elevate your pasta game and discover a new go-to dish that everyone will love. Plus, it's pretty easy to customize, which means you can make it your own. Let's get started and make some pasta magic!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and gather all the ingredients for this amazing chicken penne rigate pasta recipe. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go is the secret to smooth sailing in the kitchen. It makes the cooking process so much more enjoyable when you're not scrambling around mid-recipe. The key here is freshness and quality. The better the ingredients, the better your pasta will taste. Don't skimp on the good stuff, guys; it really does make a difference! Here's the list, and don't worry, it's mostly stuff you can find at your local grocery store. Remember, you can always adjust the quantities based on your preferences. If you're a veggie lover, feel free to add more vegetables; if you love chicken, add more chicken. It's all about making it your own!

Penne Rigate Pasta: About 1 pound. Penne rigate is perfect for this recipe because its ridges catch the sauce beautifully. You can, of course, substitute with other pasta shapes, but penne rigate is the classic choice. It's all about how well the sauce clings to the pasta, right?
Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds, boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you prefer chicken thighs, go for it! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
Olive Oil: 2-3 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but any good-quality olive oil will do.
Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Onions add a base layer of flavor that's essential for a great sauce. Yellow onions are a great choice, but white onions will also work.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is a must for a burst of flavor. Don't be shy with it!
Bell Pepper: 1 large, any color, chopped. Bell peppers add color and a nice crunch. Feel free to mix and match colors!
Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce. You can use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, plus extra for serving. Parmesan cheese is a must for both flavor and a bit of saltiness. Freshly grated is always best!
Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon. This spice blend brings all the Italian flavors together. If you don't have it, you can substitute with a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key! Don't be afraid to season generously.
Optional Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes (halved), spinach, mushrooms (sliced), red pepper flakes (for a little kick). The sky's the limit here, so add whatever you like!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part: making our delicious chicken penne rigate pasta recipe! This section will break down the cooking process step by step, making it super easy to follow. Don't worry if you're not a pro; we've got you covered. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, so relax, put on some music, and have fun. The most important thing is that you're creating something delicious! Here's how to do it:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne rigate and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If you added any optional ingredients, like cherry tomatoes or spinach, stir them in now. If the sauce isn't quite clinging to the pasta, add a splash more pasta water and stir.
Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese. If you have any fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, sprinkle them on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious chicken penne rigate!

Tips and Variations

Want to take your chicken penne rigate pasta recipe to the next level? Here are some tips and variations to get your creative juices flowing. You can customize this dish in so many ways to suit your tastes or use up ingredients you have on hand. Don't be afraid to experiment, guys; that's half the fun of cooking!

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. If you like things really spicy, add a whole teaspoon! You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Or, you can add a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onions and peppers.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli florets would be delicious additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Use Different Meats: While chicken is a classic, you can also use Italian sausage, shrimp, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Creamy Tomato Sauce: For a different flavor profile, you can add some tomato sauce to the sauce. This will give it a richer, tangier flavor. About a cup of tomato sauce will be perfect.
Make it Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and combine. This is perfect for busy weeknights!
Garnish it up: Fresh herbs always make a dish look more appealing. Try garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a little visual interest, too.

Serving Suggestions

So, you've cooked your amazing chicken penne rigate pasta recipe, and now it's time to serve it up! What to serve with your pasta can make a big difference in the whole dining experience. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable. These pairings are designed to complement the creamy, savory flavors of the pasta, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that's perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. You can use store-bought garlic bread or make your own from scratch. It's a simple, yet satisfying, side dish.
Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. A simple garden salad or a Caesar salad would be great choices. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess of the sauce.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy and colorful side. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.
Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, or a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, would pair beautifully with this pasta. The wine's acidity helps cut through the richness of the sauce.
Crusty Bread: Serve with some crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce. It is such a simple, yet satisfying addition to the meal!

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! A complete guide to making a fantastic chicken penne rigate pasta recipe that will impress your taste buds and everyone else at the dinner table. This dish is all about simplicity, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors. I hope you've enjoyed this culinary journey! We've covered everything from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to some handy tips and serving suggestions. So go on, get into the kitchen and create a meal that you and your loved ones will love. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! Enjoy your delicious, creamy pasta!