Are you looking for a hearty and delicious meal that is easy to prepare? Look no further than this Rigatoni with Chicken and Mushroom Sauce recipe. As a scribe for a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can confidently say that this dish is a winner every time. It has a rich and creamy sauce made with button mushrooms, heavy cream, and Marsala wine that perfectly complements the tender chicken breast and al dente rigatoni pasta.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rigatoni With Chicken and a Mushroom Sauce

If you’re looking for a satisfying and delicious dinner recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, then look no further than Rigatoni with Chicken and Mushroom Sauce! This hearty and comforting dish is a perfect option for any day of the week, whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or simply need a quick and easy meal for the family.

One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s incredibly versatile. The mushroom sauce can be made with either white wine or marsala wine, depending on your preference. The addition of Spanish onions and garlic gives the dish a subtle kick of flavor, while the parmesan cheese offers a rich and creamy finish to every bite.

Another reason why this recipe is so great is that it uses only a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, such as rigatoni pasta, chicken breasts, button mushrooms, and heavy cream. This means that you can whip up this delicious meal in no time without having to worry about making a trip to the grocery store.

Not to mention, this dish can easily be customized to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or switching out the type of pasta. You could even try adding bacon or pancetta for an extra burst of flavor!

Overall, Rigatoni with Chicken and Mushroom Sauce is an easy, comforting, and delicious meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you for it!

Ingredient List

A hearty, comforting meal that will leave you wanting more!

Here’s what you need to make rigatoni with chicken and a mushroom sauce:

For the pasta:

1 pound rigatoni pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning

For the chicken and mushroom sauce:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
16 oz button mushrooms, sliced
1 Spanish onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup marsala wine or white wine
1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
1.5 cups heavy cream
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Basil leaves for garnishing

Note: You can use cremini or portobello mushrooms as well.

The Recipe How-To

Rigatoni pasta, juicy chicken, and mushrooms all come together in one delicious dish!

Let’s jump right into the heart of this Rigatoni Pasta with Chicken and Mushroom Sauce recipe.

Prep work

First, you will need to cut the boneless, skinless (or skin-on) chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces ~ that’s about the size of a 20-peso coin here in the Philippines. Set them aside. Then slice one medium-sized Spanish onion and 2 cups worth of button mushrooms.

Saute your chicken

On medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil on a large frying pan. Once it heats up, add in the chicken pieces you have just prepared along with some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for around 3 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown all over.

Brown your mushrooms

Now it’s time to get that fragrant mushroom goodness. Add the sliced mushrooms to your pan| and make sure they’re evenly coated in oil. Keep stirring occasionally until they are browned well, which might take about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and shallots

Once you see those juicy little mushrooms looking plump and cooked through, introduce 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and a tablespoon-sized amount of minced shallots. Throw in some herbs such as basil, salt, and pepper to season. Be sure not to burn your garlic though. Keep cooking for about 2-3 minutes.

Make the mushroom sauce

Mix in 1 cup of heavy cream (also known as creme fraiche) into the mushroom-carrot mixture in your pan then stir a little more before adding around 1/4 cup of marsala wine or white wine; reduce heat when necessary. At this point in our recipe, you can also add a can or two of tomato paste if desired.

Cook Rigatoni Pasta

In another pot with boiling water| gradually stir in one pound, or equal to about 16 ounces, of rigatoni pasta until it becomes tender yet still firm (al dente).

Merge everything together

BACK TO THE PAN: With a slotted spoon, remove the fully cooked chicken-mushroom mixture from the frying pan then transfer them to another container to be used later on. Pour any leftover pan juices into your sauce before adding those sliced mushrooms creamy sauce concoction right onto the drained Rigatoni pasta already on a separate bowl. Toss well to coat each inch with that delectable mushroom-pasta sauce!

Garnishing Your Rigatoni Dish

Finally~ after all that quick kitchen workmanship devotedly given to this rigatoni-chicken mushrooms with its accompanying mushroom sauce pasta recipe ~ garnish your pasta with roughly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired for that brightly fresh green pop!

Substitutions and Variations

This rigatoni pasta is sure to impress your dinner guests!

Are you looking to switch things up with this rigatoni with chicken and mushroom sauce recipe? Luckily, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to cater to your preferences.

For a healthier option, use whole wheat rigatoni instead of standard white pasta. You can also swap out the heavy cream for something lighter like creme fraiche or even Greek yogurt. If you’re looking to lower the fat content, substitute half and half for the heavy cream.

If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try using roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes as an alternative. Alternatively, you can add other vegetables such as spinach, broccoli or cauliflower into the dish for a more hearty meal.

For a different meat choice, swap out the chicken breasts with cooked bacon bits or ground turkey. You can also turn this recipe into a vegan option by replacing the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.

If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your dish, use sweet marsala wine. On the other hand, if sweetness isn’t your thing, use a bold red wine to deepen the flavor of the sauce.

Don’t limit yourself to just rigatoni pasta – try this recipe with penne or fettuccine alfredo for a change.

Remember that cooking is all about experimentation, so feel free to experiment and find substitutions and variations which suit your taste buds best!

Serving and Pairing

When serving this delicious rigatoni with chicken and mushroom sauce, I highly recommend sprinkling some freshly grated parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves on top for added flavor and a pop of color. You can also drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the dish right before serving to give it a delightful aroma.

For a complete meal, consider pairing this chicken mushroom rigatoni with a light salad dressed in vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli. The acidity of a white wine would balance the richness of the creamy mushroom sauce if you’re looking to complement this pasta recipe best. I suggest serving this dish with either Marsala, white wine or creme fraiche to enhance its flavors.

Want to make your pasta choice even heartier? Add some seared bacon or chunks of Italian sausage into the mix for an extra burst of meaty flavor. For those who prefer less meaty options, go for portobello mushrooms instead of button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms; they offer the same hearty taste and texture without the extra fat.

No matter how you serve it, this ravishing chicken mushroom rigatoni is sure to leave your guests in awe, asking for seconds and adding it to their list of favorites!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Serving rigatoni with chicken and mushroom sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this Chicken and Mushroom Rigatoni pasta recipe is that it’s perfect for meal planning. You can make the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

If you’re anticipating leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back its creaminess. You may also want to add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to liven up the flavors.

To keep things easy during meal prep, you can cook your pasta of choice ahead of time and store it separately from the chicken mushroom sauce. Keep it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To get everything back to life again, simply heat the chicken mushroom sauce on medium-high heat until creamy, then add your cooked rigatoni pasta and stir gently until evenly coated with the luscious sauce.

One of the great things about any pasta recipe is its versatility when it comes to serving sizes. Feel free to adjust the recipe’s ingredient proportions depending on whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself.

With some careful planning, efficient storage techniques and small adjustments during reheating – this Chicken and Mushroom Rigatoni pasta recipe can easily be enjoyed several times over.

Tips for Perfect Results

Our homemade sauce takes this dish to the next level!

Just like every dish we prepare, there are always some tips and tricks to ensure the best possible outcome, and this recipe is no exception. Here are some tips to keep in mind when making the rigatoni pasta with chicken and mushroom sauce:

1. Brown your mushrooms well: When cooking the mushrooms, make sure to let them brown well before adding any other ingredients. This will give them a deeper, richer flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

2. Choose the right pasta: While rigatoni pasta is perfect for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta to find your personal favorite. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

3. Season your chicken breasts properly: Seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking will help to bring out their natural flavors and add extra depth to the dish.

4. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: To ensure that your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Don’t overcook the heavy cream: Heavy cream can easily curdle if overheated, so be sure to remove it from the heat as soon as it has reached a simmer.

6. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese: Pre-grated parmesan cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly into sauces. For a creamy, smooth sauce, grate your own parmesan cheese at home.

Keep these tips in mind when preparing this dish and you’re on your way to serving up a delicious plate of creamy rigatoni with chicken and mushroom sauce that’s sure to amaze your guests!

FAQ

Now, let’s move to the FAQ section where we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding this Rigatoni With Chicken and Mushroom Sauce recipe.

What sauces go well with rigatoni?

Rigatoni pasta is a versatile option that goes well with many types of sauces. It’s a classic choice to pair with meat sauce due to its ability to hold the hearty flavors. However, rigatoni can also be filled with vegetable ragout for a tasty alternative. If you’re looking for something simpler, a basic tomato sauce is also a delicious option for rigatoni pasta.

How do you make Batchelors chicken and mushroom pasta?

Let’s get started on making some delicious pasta! Take out a saucepan and pour in 250ml of water, along with 100ml of milk. If you’re feeling indulgent, add in a pat of butter (about 10g). Turn up the heat and wait for the liquid to come to a boil.

Once the mixture is bubbling away, it’s time to add the pasta. Slowly pour in the pack contents while stirring constantly. Make sure that everything is evenly combined.

Let the mixture gently boil for five minutes. Give it a stir now and then to prevent sticking. When the pasta is tender and cooked to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Give the pasta a good stir to mix everything together. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy!

What is rigatoni for?

Rigatoni are an ideal choice for thick and chunky sauces, thanks to their ridged exterior and wide center that ensures ample sauce coverage. They also keep meats and large veggies perfectly in place. Rigatoni are equally adept at handling baked pasta dishes, as their shape can hold ample amounts of cheese. Rigatoni hail from the southern regions of Italy, where they are commonly used in traditional Italian recipes.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this rigatoni with chicken and mushroom sauce recipe will surely leave you and your guests satiated and impressed. The rich creamy mushroom sauce paired with the perfectly seasoned chicken and rigatoni pasta make for an indulgent meal that is sure to please. The best part about this recipe is that it is highly customizable, allowing you to add in your favorite ingredients or swap out some of the ingredients for healthier alternatives.

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the ingredient list; this dish is full of flavor, depth, and complexity. Whether you make it for a fancy dinner party or a cozy family gathering, this rigatoni with chicken and mushroom sauce recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead and give it a try; I promise it will become one of your favorite pasta recipes in no time!

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Anna

Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!

Chicken And Mushroom Rigatoni – A Delicious Recipe