Creamy Chicken Riggies with Pancetta
This creamy Chicken Riggies dish is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a luscious creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Inspired by a classic recipe from 'Quick & Easy Meals' by Paula Deen, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With a unique blend of flavors from the tomato sauce and a hint of vodka, it's a comforting yet sophisticated meal perfect for any occasion. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience that your family will adore.
6
Servings
483
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
pancetta
1/2 lb (chopped)
onion
1 cup (minced)
chicken breasts
4 (boneless and skinless)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for dredging)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
tomato sauce
1/2 cup (canned or homemade)
vodka
1 ounce (optional)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (to taste)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
heavy whipping cream
2 cups (fresh)
penne pasta
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add pancetta and minced onion, cooking for about 10 minutes until the pancetta is crispy and the onion is softened. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta and onion from the skillet, leaving the butter behind, and set them aside.
2
Lightly pound the chicken breasts to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
3
In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until evenly coated. In the same skillet used for pancetta, add the chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the tomato sauce, vodka (if using), Worcestershire sauce, remaining salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a bubbling simmer.
5
Slowly stir in the heavy whipping cream, cooking the mixture until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
6
Return the cooked pancetta, onion, and chicken back into the cream mixture, heating until everything is warmed through.
7
Toss the creamy chicken and sauce with the cooked penne pasta until well combined. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
33
Fat
27
Carbs
22
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Riggies with Pancetta?
It is a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a luscious creamy sauce tossed with penne pasta.
Who inspired this recipe?
This dish is inspired by a classic recipe from 'Quick & Easy Meals' by Paula Deen.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cooked penne pasta.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 483 calories.
Is vodka required for this recipe?
No, the 1 ounce of vodka is listed as an optional ingredient.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 33 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 22 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I cook the pancetta and onion?
Cook them for about 10 minutes until the pancetta is crispy and the onion is softened.
How thin should I pound the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be lightly pounded to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Into what size should the chicken be cut?
The chicken should be cut into 2-inch pieces.
What is used to dredge the chicken?
The chicken is dredged in a mixture of 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken pieces should be cooked for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.
What are the components of the sauce base?
The sauce includes tomato sauce, vodka (optional), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How much heavy whipping cream is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of fresh heavy whipping cream.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The dish is topped with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use homemade tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use either canned or homemade tomato sauce.
What side dishes are recommended with this meal?
It is recommended to serve this alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of minced onion.
How much pancetta is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of chopped pancetta.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
Use 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, adjusted to taste.
How many chicken breasts are used?
The recipe uses 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
What is the amount of crushed red pepper flakes?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste for spice preference.
What is the culinary category of this dish?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
When do I add the heavy cream?
The cream is stirred into the bubbling tomato sauce mixture and cooked until it thickens slightly.
When should the pancetta and chicken be returned to the pan?
Return them to the skillet once the cream mixture has thickened slightly to heat them through.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting yet sophisticated meal.
How should the final dish be served?
It should be served immediately after tossing the creamy chicken and sauce with the cooked penne pasta.