21+ Easy Steps to Make Delicious Utica Chicken Riggies That Everyone Will Love!
If you’ve never heard of Utica Chicken Riggies, you’re in for a treat! This delightful pasta dish, hailing from Upstate New York, brings together tender chicken, hearty rigatoni, and a creamy, spicy sauce that will tickle your taste buds. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
The first step in making Utica Chicken Riggies is to assemble all the ingredients. The combination of flavors is what makes this dish sing! Here’s what you’ll need:
1 pound of rigatoni pasta
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of creamy and spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes, making it customizable for your taste buds!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.
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While you’re prepping your ingredients, it’s time to get the pasta cooking. Boil a large pot of salted water and add the rigatoni, cooking it until it’s al dente. Here’s how to do it:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add salt to the boiling water.
Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside, but save a little pasta water for later.
The reason this step is crucial is that perfectly cooked pasta will soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite flavorful. Plus, the rigatoni’s ridges are perfect for catching the sauce, ensuring you get a burst of flavor in every mouthful!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Skinless chicken breasts, sweet, avocado oil, italian seasoning, garlic powder Total Time: 30 min.
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Next up, it’s time to cook the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them well. Here’s how you can cook it:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
This step is where the magic begins! Searing the chicken creates a lovely golden crust that adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish. Plus, the spices will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.
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Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to toss in some colorful veggies. Adding onion, garlic, and bell pepper not only boosts the flavor but also enhances the dish visually. Here’s how you do it:
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
This step adds a wonderful crunch and sweetness to the dish. The sautéed veggies will combine beautifully with the chicken, making each bite a delightful medley of textures and flavors!
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Pasta, red pepper flakes, olive oil, crushed tomatoes, food processor Total Time: 35 min.
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Now, let’s create that rich, creamy sauce that makes Chicken Riggies unforgettable. Combining tomatoes, cream, and chicken broth brings everything together beautifully. Here’s how to whip up the sauce:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
Stir in the heavy cream.
Season with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
The sauce is what really makes this dish shine! It envelops the chicken and veggies, creating a luscious coating that makes every bite a creamy delight. Plus, the tomatoes add a hint of sweetness that balances the spice perfectly!
Now comes the fun part—combining all the elements to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor! It’s simple and satisfying to see everything come together. Here’s how you do it:
Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet.
Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
This is where the magic happens! The pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce and the spices, creating a comforting dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.
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Last but not least, it’s time to serve up your delicious creation! A little garnish can go a long way in making your dish look even more appealing. Here’s how to finish it off:
Spoon the chicken riggies into bowls or onto plates.
Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Presentation is key! A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish even more inviting. And who doesn’t love a bit of cheese on top? It’s the cherry on top of your delicious pasta masterpiece!
Now that your Utica Chicken Riggies are ready, gather your family or friends around the table and dig in! The combination of flavors, textures, and that creamy sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you serve this dish, it will quickly become a favorite in your household!
