Chicken and Mushroom Rigatoni
This Chicken and Mushroom Rigatoni is rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness—perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing chicken and mushrooms
- 1 pound chicken breast diced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they release their juices and begin to brown. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the drained rigatoni, tossing gently to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender for the best texture.
- Use fresh mushrooms for optimal flavor; drain canned mushrooms well to avoid excess liquid.
- Add mozzarella or fontina cheese along with Parmesan for an extra cheesy dish.
- Increase garlic amount if you prefer a more intense garlic flavor.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.