Hey guys! Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal? Look no further! This chicken penne rigate pasta recipe is a total game-changer. It’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. I'm going to walk you through each step, so even if you're not a pro in the kitchen, you'll nail this dish. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds!

Why This Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta Recipe Rocks

Let’s dive into why this chicken penne rigate pasta recipe is a must-try. First off, penne rigate is the perfect pasta shape for this dish. Those little ridges grab onto the sauce like nobody’s business, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. We're talking about perfectly cooked chicken, coated in a creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to every nook and cranny of the penne. What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The chicken is seasoned just right, the sauce is rich and creamy without being too heavy, and the overall dish is balanced with just the right amount of herbs and spices. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices to make it your own signature dish. Want to add some mushrooms? Go for it! Love a little kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless! Another reason to love this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. From start to finish, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. That’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a meal that's both delicious and convenient? Ultimately, this chicken penne rigate pasta recipe is a winner because it's approachable, flavorful, and satisfying. It's a dish that's sure to impress, whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd of friends. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need to make this amazing chicken penne rigate pasta. Don't worry, most of these are pantry staples, so you probably already have them on hand. For the pasta, you'll need 1 pound of penne rigate. As I mentioned before, the ridges on this pasta are perfect for grabbing onto the sauce. For the chicken, grab about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but breasts are generally leaner and quicker to cook. For the sauce, you'll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter. These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta. To season the chicken, you'll need 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. These spices add depth and flavor to the chicken, making it irresistible. And last but not least, you'll need 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for garnish. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but fresh is always better. So, there you have it – a complete list of ingredients for this delicious chicken penne rigate pasta recipe. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking, so you don't have to run to the store in the middle of the recipe. Trust me, having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable. Happy cooking!

Detailed Ingredient List

• 1 pound penne rigate pasta
• 1. 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part – cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you'll have a delicious chicken penne rigate pasta dish on the table in no time. First, cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Next, add the chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce the broth slightly. Now, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. And there you have it – a perfectly cooked chicken penne rigate pasta dish that's sure to impress! Each step is important to ensure the best flavor and texture, so don't skip any steps. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. Or, you can add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and acidity. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. And most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process. Bon appétit!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Penne Rigate Pasta

To make sure your chicken penne rigate pasta is absolutely perfect, here are a few tips and tricks I've learned over the years. First off, don't overcook the pasta! Cook it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold the sauce as well. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the cooking water. This will help keep the pasta strands separate and prevent them from clumping. Another tip is to save some of the pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy pasta water can be added to the sauce to help thicken it and make it even more creamy. When cooking the chicken, make sure you don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, so that it browns evenly and doesn't steam. Browning the chicken adds flavor and texture to the dish. To prevent the chicken from drying out, don't overcook it. Cook it until it's just cooked through, and then remove it from the skillet. It will continue to cook slightly as it sits in the sauce. When making the sauce, use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Use fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. These ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of the final dish. And last but not least, don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices to customize the dish to your liking. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious, so don't be afraid to get creative and try new things. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to make a chicken penne rigate pasta dish that's sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some variations you can try with this chicken penne rigate pasta recipe. First, if you're a fan of veggies, try adding some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce. These veggies will add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish. Another variation is to add some sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity that complements the chicken and pasta perfectly. If you're looking for a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Or, you can add some chopped jalapeños for a more intense kick. For a cheesy twist, try adding some mozzarella or provolone cheese to the sauce. These cheeses will melt into the sauce and create a gooey, cheesy goodness. You can also add some ricotta cheese for a creamy and tangy flavor. If you're not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp, sausage, or tofu. These proteins will work just as well in the dish and add their own unique flavor. Another variation is to use a different type of pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, but I recommend using a pasta with ridges or grooves to help hold the sauce. Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are all great options. And last but not least, you can try using a different type of sauce. You can use a tomato-based sauce, a pesto sauce, or even a cream sauce. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to adjust the seasonings to your liking and have fun experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. With these variations, you can create a chicken penne rigate pasta dish that's perfect for your taste buds. So, go ahead and get creative in the kitchen! Bon appétit!