Creamy Chicken and Beet Rigatoni
This vibrant and hearty Creamy Chicken and Beet Rigatoni combines succulent chicken breasts, earthy beets, and satisfying rigatoni pasta in a delicious white wine sauce. The sweet earthiness of the beets is beautifully balanced with the savory chicken and a hint of garlic, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters. The rich and colorful dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Serve this dish warm and watch as your loved ones savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
beets
8 ounces (canned and sliced)
chicken breasts
2 (boneless and skinless)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
red onion
1/2 (chopped)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
white wine
1/2 cup (for deglazing)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
rigatoni pasta
10 ounces (for boiling)
Instructions
1
Begin by coating the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the rigatoni.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the delicious browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7
If your beets aren't already sliced, now is the time to slice them. Add the beets to the skillet and allow them to simmer in the wine sauce for 3-4 minutes.
8
Once your pot of water is boiling, add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
9
While the pasta cooks, cut or shred the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet with the beet mixture and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
10
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a little pasta water. If the chicken and beet mixture is ready but the pasta is not, keep it warm on low heat until the pasta is done.
11
Combine the drained pasta with the chicken and beet mixture in the skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a creamier texture. Stir to coat evenly.
12
Serve warm in bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
15g
Carbs
8.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken and Beet Rigatoni?
It is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines succulent chicken breasts, earthy beets, and rigatoni pasta in a white wine sauce.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, canned beets, rigatoni pasta, white wine, red onion, garlic, and olive oil.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 133 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe contains 8.3g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Creamy Chicken and Beet Rigatoni?
The dish contains 3.3g of fat.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of rigatoni pasta.
Can I substitute the rigatoni with another pasta?
Yes, other tubular pasta shapes like penne or ziti would work well with this sauce.
How should the beets be prepared?
Use 8 ounces of canned and sliced beets for the best results.
Can I use fresh beets instead of canned?
Yes, but you must boil or roast them until tender and then slice them before adding them to the skillet.
How do I prepare the chicken?
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, sauté until cooked through, then shred or cut them into bite-sized pieces.
What is the purpose of the white wine in the recipe?
The white wine is used to deglaze the skillet, incorporating browned bits from the chicken to create a flavorful sauce.
What can I use as a substitute for white wine?
You can substitute the wine with chicken broth or a splash of water mixed with a little lemon juice.
How long do I sauté the red onion?
Sauté the chopped red onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Why should I add the garlic after the onion?
Garlic burns more quickly than onions, so it is added later and cooked for only 30 seconds until fragrant.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until the juices run clear.
What does it mean to cook pasta al dente?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which is the ideal texture for this dish.
Should I save the pasta water?
Yes, reserve a little pasta water to add to the skillet to help create a creamier texture.
How do I combine the ingredients at the end?
Stir the drained pasta into the skillet with the chicken and beet mixture, adding pasta water as needed to coat evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors meld well over time, making it a great option for leftovers.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and consider adding more beets or white beans for protein.
Is the dish naturally gluten-free?
No, but you can make it gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free rigatoni pasta.
What garnishes are recommended?
Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese are excellent options for garnishing this dish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the specific serving count is not provided, the recipe uses 10 ounces of pasta and 2 chicken breasts, typically serving 3-4 people.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
The recipe does not list added sugar, though beets have natural sugars.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, spinach or kale would be great additions to increase the vegetable content.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty pasta and savory chicken.
How do I ensure the chicken is not dry?
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking and before cutting it to keep the juices inside.