Ah, Spicy Chicken Riggies—a dish that’s like a warm hug on a cold day! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve just put on your favorite sweater, even if the weather outside is frightful. I stumbled upon this gem during a random road trip to upstate New York, where the rich aroma of spicy peppers and creamy sauce wafted through a cozy little diner. It’s a riot of flavors—spicy, creamy, and oh, so satisfying—that somehow, just works.
Steps
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and chicken chunks, cooking until the chicken is browned on the outside but not fully cooked.
- Add roasted red peppers and chopped hot cherry peppers to the pot, sautéing briefly. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sherry or white wine, then add water and uncooked rigatoni. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring there is enough liquid to cook the pasta.
- Stir frequently as the pasta cooks to al dente, which should take about 15-20 minutes. If necessary, add more water to maintain enough liquid for the pasta to cook properly.
- Lower the heat and incorporate butter, fresh basil, and salt. Once the butter has melted, mix in heavy cream and cheese, allowing the sauce to simmer for around 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.
- For an extra kick, garnish with more cheese, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the dish warm.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small chunks
- 2 large roasted red peppers, sliced into thin strips
- 6 hot cherry peppers, chopped and deseeded
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup cooking sherry or white wine
- 1 cup water
- 1 pound uncooked rigatoni
- 1 cup pecorino romano or parmesan cheese
- ½ stick butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rigatoni?
- Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta types such as penne or ziti, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
- Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?
- Absolutely! You can reduce the number of hot cherry peppers or omit them entirely. Additionally, you can skip the crushed red pepper flakes to further decrease the spice level.
- What can I use as a substitute for cooking sherry or white wine?
- If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute cooking sherry or white wine with chicken broth or a mix of water and a splash of lemon juice for added flavor.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it?
- Yes, you can make Spicy Chicken Riggies ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. It also freezes well for longer storage.
- How can I make this dish creamier?
- To make the dish creamier, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or cheese. Adding a little more butter can also enhance the creaminess and richness of the sauce.
Tips
- Utilize Jarred Hot Cherry Peppers: For convenience and consistency in heat level, use jarred hot cherry peppers. If you opt for fresh ones, make sure to adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference, as fresh peppers can vary greatly in spiciness.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: Keep an eye on the liquid while cooking the pasta in the sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more water to ensure the pasta cooks properly and the sauce reaches the right consistency.
- Simmer for Enhanced Flavor: After adding the cream and cheese, let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish even more delicious.
- Experiment with Pasta Cooking Techniques: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce not only saves time and dishes but also allows the pasta to absorb the sauce’s flavors. Consider trying this method with other pasta dishes for a rich and flavorful result.
Equipment
- Large Pot: A good-quality, large pot is essential for a one-pot recipe.
- Garlic Press or Chopper: If you don’t want to manually smash and chop garlic cloves.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring ingredients while cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement tools for liquids and spices.
- Microplane or Cheese Grater: For grating cheese like pecorino romano or parmesan.
