Rigatoni And Chicken Dijon
A comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips, green beans, and creamy Dijon sauce, all tossed with hearty rigatoni. This dish offers a delightful blend of savory flavors and smooth textures, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and brown the chicken strips in the butter.
- Add frozen green beans to the skillet and cook until heated through.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, light cream, Dijon mustard, and flour until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet with chicken and green beans, stirring well.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, stir to combine, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, substitute half of the light cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes. To save time, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken strips. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors nicely. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a dish like Country Chicken Dressing to create a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni And Chicken Dijon contains roughly 392 calories, with 12g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the light cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. For the chicken broth, use a vegetable broth to keep it dairy-free.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving. This way, the pasta won't become mushy.
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).