Chicken Rigatoni
Juicy chicken breasts simmer in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, served alongside tender rigatoni noodles—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chicken breasts in butter in a pressure cooker; remove and set aside.
- Combine tomato sauce, chicken bouillon, oregano, garlic salt, onion salt, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Place chicken breasts in the sauce.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, boil rigatoni noodles.
- Noodles are done when they flatten out; then rinse under cold water.
- Remove chicken from the tomato sauce and place on a serving dish.
- Run noodles under hot water and add them to the tomato sauce.
- Serve chicken breasts alongside the noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor. If you don't have chicken bouillon, you can substitute with chicken broth. To enhance the dish, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This recipe is versatile, allowing for the inclusion of seasonal vegetables, making it a great option for Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Rigatoni pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Parmesan Zucchini for a delicious vegetable option. For wine pairings, a light red like Chianti complements the flavors well. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and noodles in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Heat gently until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rigatoni contains roughly 305 calories, with 36g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1182mg per serving (51% 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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta shape you choose, as it may affect the overall texture of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce or using a spicier variant of the chicken bouillon. You can also serve it with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta fresh for the best texture. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep!
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).