Go Back
Homemade Spicy Chicken Rigatoni photo

Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

A creamy, spicy rigatoni with tender chicken and peas finished with Parmesan.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced (about 3–4 cloves)
  • 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3-4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 1 lb rigatoni cooked al dente
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • fresh grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot for pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the thin chicken strips and the salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and stir to combine, then add the heavy cream and mix until smooth.
  6. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and meld flavors.
  7. Stir in the butter and peas until the butter melts and the peas are heated through.
  8. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce until evenly coated.
  9. Serve topped with fresh grated Parmesan and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Use 3–4 tablespoons olive oil as needed for cooking.
  • Cook pasta al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to taste for spiciness.
  • Peas can be fresh or frozen; thaw or warm before adding if frozen.