Spicy Creamy Grilled Chicken Rigatoni

Table of Contents

This Spicy Creamy Grilled Chicken Rigatoni is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring perfectly grilled chicken chunks smothered in a rich, creamy, slightly spicy sauce, tossed with tender rigatoni pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Time Required:

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into chunks

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta:

8 oz rigatoni pasta

Water and salt (for boiling)

Garnish:

Fresh chopped parsley

Extra grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:

In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Grill the chicken pieces for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden, cooked through, and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same pan (or a clean skillet), melt butter over medium heat.

Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.

Lower heat and add heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

Combine:

Add the cooked pasta and grilled chicken to the sauce.

Toss until everything is well coated and heated through.

Serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serve hot!

Tips for Best Results:

Marinate Ahead (Optional): For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep the rigatoni al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the creaminess of the sauce.

Reserve Pasta Water: A splash of starchy pasta water helps emulsify and bind the sauce to the pasta.

Finish in the Pan: Let the chicken and pasta simmer together in the sauce for a minute or two before serving for full flavor absorption.

Variations to Try:

Cheesy Twist:

Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese to the sauce for a gooey, stretchy texture.

Extra Spicy Kick:

Stir in 1 tsp hot sauce (like sriracha or Tabasco) or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Top with chili oil before serving for a bold finish.

Vegetarian Option:

Replace chicken with grilled zucchini, mushrooms, or tofu.

Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for a veggie-loaded version.

Smoky Flavor:

Add crispy bacon or pancetta to the sauce for smoky, savory depth.

Seafood Swap:

Use grilled shrimp or seared scallops instead of chicken for a seafood pasta variation.

Lighter Sauce:

Substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version.

Deglaze for Depth:

After sautéing garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream for extra richness.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?

A: You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a little butter, or even Greek yogurt (for a tangier, lighter option).

Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?

A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Just cool completely, store in airtight containers, and reheat with a bit of liquid to restore creaminess.

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?

A: Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well—just choose a sturdy shape that holds sauce.

Nutrition Info (Estimates per Serving):

Calories: ~650 kcal

Conclusion:

This Spicy Creamy Grilled Chicken Rigatoni is a delicious comfort food dish that strikes a perfect balance between bold flavors and creamy richness. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or even a special occasion, it’s easy to customize and guaranteed to impress. With its grilled chicken, velvety sauce, and hearty pasta, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.