Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this copycat recipe for Buca di Beppo's famous Spicy Chicken Rigatoni! This dish is bursting with flavor, combining tender chicken, spicy rigatoni pasta, and a creamy, subtly spicy sauce that will leave you wanting more. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or impressing your family with your homemade cooking skills. This easy recipe is surprisingly quick to make, proving that delicious doesn't have to mean difficult.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Rigatoni:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder dish, use less; for extra heat, add more!
- Chicken: You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred it and add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato: Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes for a milder, creamier version.
- Spicy Sausage: Add Italian sausage to the skillet along with the chicken for a heartier dish.
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 Protein: 30-40g Fat: 20-30g Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy this delicious and easy healthy meal, perfect for a quick dinner idea, and elevate your homemade cooking game. It’s a delicious dish that's simple enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks. Remember to share your creations with us – we'd love to see your take on this Buca di Beppo-inspired recipe!