Delicious Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta Recipe

Nov 16, 2025 by Alex Braham 44 views

Hey foodies! Are you ready to dive into a world of comfort and flavor? Today, we're whipping up a delicious Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta that's going to knock your socks off! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying, and it's also a total crowd-pleaser for get-togethers. We're going to break down every step, making it super easy to follow, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen. Get ready to elevate your pasta game, because this recipe is a keeper!

Why This Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta Recipe Rocks

Alright, let's talk about why this Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta recipe is so awesome. First off, it's incredibly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to match your personal preferences and what you have on hand. Don't like a particular veggie? Swap it out! Want to add a little spice? Go for it! The possibilities are practically endless. The dish itself is a symphony of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, the perfectly cooked penne rigate (which holds the sauce like a dream!), the creamy sauce, and the burst of fresh herbs... It's a party in your mouth! Plus, it's a complete meal in one pot (or pan, depending on your preferred cooking style), which means less cleanup – always a win in my book. And did I mention how easy it is to make? Seriously, this recipe is designed to be accessible to cooks of all skill levels. You don't need fancy equipment or a ton of experience to create something truly delicious. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta recipe is a guaranteed success. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's built on a foundation of fresh, high-quality ingredients, which means you don't need a lot of complex techniques to make it taste amazing. A little bit of careful cooking, some well-chosen seasonings, and you're good to go. This dish is also super adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences. You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, or you can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies or beans. The flexibility of this recipe is what makes it a star in my recipe book. It is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. This makes it a great option for busy people who want to eat healthy and delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen every night. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables makes it a balanced and satisfying meal that will keep you feeling full and energized. This is a dish that really can do it all.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we jump into the cooking process, let's gather our ingredients. This is a list of what you'll need to make this fantastic Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta:

Penne Rigate Pasta: The star of the show! Penne rigate is ideal because the ridges on the pasta help to grab and hold the sauce.
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. They add a richer flavor.
Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and veggies. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base of our sauce. They add depth and complexity.
Bell Peppers: Adds color, sweetness, and nutrients. Feel free to use a mix of colors.
Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and sweetness. They cook down beautifully in the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid for the sauce and adds a savory flavor.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce creamy and decadent. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor. Freshly grated is always best!
Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the flavor.
Salt & Pepper: To taste! Don't be shy about seasoning your food.
Fresh Basil: For garnish and a final touch of freshness.

Make sure you have all of these ingredients ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences. If you like a lot of veggies, add more! If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a bit more cream. The best part of cooking is that you can adapt the recipe to your liking, so don't be afraid to experiment! Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go. This is the key to ensuring your dish turns out perfectly seasoned to your taste. Consider using fresh herbs when you can. They add a vibrant, fresh taste that dried herbs can't quite match. However, dried herbs will work just fine if you don't have fresh ones available. Most importantly, don't overcook your pasta. It should be al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and ruins the texture of the dish. Cooking pasta al dente ensures that it holds its shape and soaks up the sauce beautifully. Don't be afraid to add extra veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would all be delicious additions to this pasta dish. Remember, cooking is about having fun and creating something you enjoy eating. So, relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process of making this amazing Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Pasta

Alright, guys, let's get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a fantastic Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta:

Prep the Chicken: Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs. This will ensure that the chicken is flavorful from the start.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Then, add the garlic and bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes until they're slightly tender.
Add Tomatoes & Broth: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne rigate pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to cook it al dente.
Combine & Simmer: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and more Italian herbs to taste. Let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta! If you want to elevate this dish to the next level, consider searing the chicken before adding it to the sauce. This will give it a richer, more complex flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers for an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to let the alcohol cook off before adding the cream. Cooking the pasta al dente is absolutely crucial for the best texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the dish. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, so it's best to err on the side of slightly undercooked. Don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings throughout the cooking process. Adding a little extra salt or pepper can make a huge difference in the overall flavor. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This will add a nice kick to the dish and make it even more interesting. You can also customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the skillet along with the onions and bell peppers. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. If you have some cooked chicken on hand, you can simply skip the step of cooking the chicken and add the cooked chicken to the sauce along with the pasta.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta is a smashing success, here are some helpful tips:

Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente for the best texture.
Season Generously: Don't be shy with the salt, pepper, and herbs.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients always make a difference in flavor.
Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different veggies and spices.
Taste as You Go: Make sure the seasonings are just right by tasting and adjusting.

Variations & Additions

This Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta recipe is a fantastic base, but you can absolutely customize it to your liking! Here are some ideas to spice things up:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Extra Veggies: Throw in some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Creamy Dream: Use more heavy cream or add a dollop of ricotta cheese.
Protein Power: Add some sausage or shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

What to serve with your Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta? Here are a few ideas:

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that's always a hit.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Wine: A glass of your favorite Italian wine, like a Chianti or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here's how to store and reheat your Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta:

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra broth or cream to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze this meal for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Recipe!

There you have it, folks! A simple, yet incredibly delicious Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta recipe that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a guaranteed hit, whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd. It's easy to adapt, quick to make, and bursting with flavor. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a pasta masterpiece. You'll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together and how satisfying it is. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make it your own. Cooking should be fun, so relax, enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results. This recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience. It's a way to bring people together, share a delicious meal, and create lasting memories. So, go ahead, give it a try. You won't be disappointed! I'm confident that this Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! And don't forget to share your creations with me. I always love seeing how you've customized the recipes and made them your own.