One of my favorite parts of my American Eats series is discovering new family favorites while researching regional culinary trends. That’s how I discovered chicken riggies, which comes from the Italian-American communities of the Utica-Rome region of Central New York. Marrying the flavors of Italian seasoning with the spiciness of hot cherry peppers, this dish truly represents a blend of cultures and has become a staple in many households and local restaurants throughout the state. And it’s a new favorite in ours as well, since Paul and the girls all gave it five stars and two thumbs up! It’s practically one-pot and ready from start to finish in right around 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. And the leftovers are every bit as delicious the next day. For a full upstate NY meal, try serving them with our Utica Greens! For more comforting one-pot pasta recipes, check out my One Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, TikTok Baked Feta Pasta, Easy Lemon Pasta, Cajun Pasta with Sausage and Peppers, and these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells!
Why We Love This Recipe
Adjust the heat to your liking with hot cherry peppers or even a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, opt for sweet bell peppers or adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste. This dish is outstandingly delicious but only requires simple ingredients to make. Chicken Riggies can be whipped up in under an hour, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal for the whole family!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Rigatoni Pasta – The ‘riggies’ in this dish hold onto the sauce well and provides that satisfying bite. Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner. Both work wonderfully. Salt & Pepper – Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the chicken before cooking it for extra flavor. Olive Oil – For sautéing the chicken and vegetables. This lends a rich flavor and ensures everything cooks evenly. Peppers – Red bell peppers give a sweet contrast, while hot cherry peppers (or sweet pickled peppers) add that signature kick. You can find the hot cherry peppers in the pickle aisle at the store. Onion & Garlic – To bring a deep, aromatic, savory flavor to the dish. Crushed Tomatoes – For the base of the sauce, giving it a tangy richness. Italian Seasoning – Italian Seasoning gives this dish its iconic Italian flavor. You can change up the seasoning as you wish for a different flavor profile. Red Pepper Flakes – For an extra spicy kick. You can easily adjust the amount to your heat preference or omit them altogether. Parmesan Cheese – Gives the dish a salty, umami punch and thickens the sauce slightly. Fresh Herbs – Basil or Italian flat-leaf parsley will add a refreshing touch and a pop of color to the dish. Heavy Cream – Optional, but adds a delightful creaminess to the dish.
How to Make Chicken Riggies
Tips for Success
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will keep cooking slightly in the sauce. Each step, from the browning of the chicken to sautéing the veggies, will build flavor in this dish. Don’t rush the steps, or you will end up compromising on flavor. If you find your sauce is too thick, you can thin it with the reserved pasta water, which also adds flavor. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer, or add some more cheese.
Substitutions and Variations
It’s not chicken riggies without the chicken, but you can use other protein options in this dish including pork tenderloin, kielbasa, sausage, shrimp, cooked ham, or even leftover turkey! Any kind of pasta will work well here, but the rigatoni is the star of the dish for an authentic NY experience. Try making your own Homemade Pasta if you prefer; just be aware the cooking time may vary with fresh pasta! Use your favorite kind of cheese like sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or even Pepper Jack cheese would work well to bring in different flavors here. Try other fresh herbs like fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme to give this dish a different flavor.
More Pasta Recipes
How to Make Homemade Pasta TikTok Beet Pasta Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Italian Pasta Salad Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Tomatoes and Basil
My Grilled Garlic Bread, Garlic Parmesan Homemade Breadsticks, and Garlic & Rosemary No Knead Artisan Bread are great options to bring out more flavors. A salad on the side can add a great color and more nutrients to the table. Try my Olive Garden Salad, Cold Broccoli Salad with Bacon, or this Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata. For vegetable sides, we like Haricots Verts with Dijon Vinaigrette, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Green Beans with Bacon & Pine Nuts, or Garlic Mushrooms.
One Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Pasta with Sausage and Peppers
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