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Creamy Chicken Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce

A decadent pasta dish combining tender chicken, rich cream, and a flavorful vodka sauce, perfect for family meals or special gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces Rigatoni Cooked al dente according to package instructions.

Protein

  • 1 pound Chicken Breast Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.

Sauce

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For a rich, velvety texture.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium to enhance flavor without excess salt.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated for best flavor.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing chicken and garlic.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning To elevate the dish's flavor.

Seasoning

  • to taste Black Pepper Freshly ground for spice.

Garnish

  • handful Fresh Basil Chopped for garnish and added flavor.

Instructions

  • 1. Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • 3. In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • 4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
  • 5. Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
  • 6. Stir in Italian seasoning and return chicken to the skillet. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
  • 7. Add rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  • 8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
  • 9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

For variations, consider adding sautéed vegetables or using different pasta shapes. This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting chicken and using vegetable broth.