Chicken Cacciatore With Rigatoni
A hearty Italian-inspired chicken cacciatore with tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and rigatoni pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chicken pieces and chopped onion in olive oil.
- Add salt, pepper, and bay leaves; cook for a few minutes, turning pieces occasionally.
- Pour in white wine; cook until almost evaporated.
- Add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender.
- Optional: add peas in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Meanwhile, cook rigatoni until al dente and drain.
- Pour cooked rigatoni onto a platter, and top with chicken and sauce.
- Garnish with grated cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the white wine beforehand. If you prefer, you can substitute the rigatoni with another pasta such as penne or fusilli. Adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions can enhance the dish's depth. For a heartier meal, try pairing it with a side of garlic bread, which complements the sauce beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Cacciatore with Rigatoni alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving adds a delicious touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes such as garlic bread or a light antipasto platter to start the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken cacciatore in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Heat gently until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered dish for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cacciatore With Rigatoni contains roughly 384 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (150% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1993mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in pieces?
Yes, boneless chicken will work well in this recipe. Just be mindful of reducing the cooking time, as boneless pieces cook faster. Aim for a simmering time of about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
What can I do if I don't have white wine?
If you don't have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a mix of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). Keep in mind that using broth will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still create a delicious sauce for the chicken.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken cacciatore a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat on the stovetop before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier the next day.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).