Zesty Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Delight
Elevate your dining experience with this Zesty Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Delight! This vibrant dish combines perfectly cooked rigatoni with succulent sautéed chicken, all smothered in a deliciously creamy and spicy sauce made from a tantalizing blend of marinara and alfredo sauces. The addition of peas adds a pop of color and freshness, making this not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Best of all, it comes together in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Get ready to savor every bite as the spicy aroma fills your kitchen. Bon Appétit!
8
Servings
475
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon (none)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
garlic
1 tablespoon (chopped)
chicken
6 ounces (sautéed & sliced)
marinara sauce
3/4 cup (none)
alfredo sauce
1/2 cup (none)
peas
1/4 cup (none)
rigatoni pasta
16 ounces (cooked)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large sauté pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
3
Add the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, ensuring the red pepper flakes release their flavor into the oil.
4
Incorporate the sliced sautéed chicken into the pan. Stir briefly to coat the chicken in the aromatic spice mix and garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
5
Gradually add the marinara sauce first, followed by the alfredo sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly and ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
6
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from heat. Gently fold in the peas, incorporating them into the sauce for a burst of sweetness.
7
Finally, add the cooked rigatoni to the pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy spicy sauce.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a touch of extra heat and alongside a freshly sliced Italian loaf for dipping.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
52.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Delight?
It is a vibrant pasta dish that combines rigatoni with sautéed chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce made from marinara and alfredo sauces, featuring peas for added color and freshness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is a blend of 3/4 cup marinara sauce and 1/2 cup alfredo sauce, seasoned with garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.
Is this rigatoni dish spicy?
Yes, the dish includes 1/2 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes to create a zesty and spicy flavor profile.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of chicken that should be sautéed and sliced.
What kind of pasta should I use?
This recipe specifically uses 16 ounces of rigatoni pasta.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 475 calories in one serving of this dish.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic.
How long should I sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes?
You should sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
When should I add the peas to the recipe?
The peas should be gently folded into the sauce after the sauce has thickened and the pan has been removed from the heat.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content per serving is 18.75 grams.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 52.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
The dish should be garnished with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra heat.
What should I serve alongside this pasta?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a freshly sliced Italian loaf for dipping.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick dinner' and 'easy recipe' that comes together in no time.
How much marinara sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of marinara sauce.
How much alfredo sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of alfredo sauce.
In what order should the sauces be added?
You should gradually add the marinara sauce first, followed by the alfredo sauce.
Does this recipe include any salt or pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What amount of peas is used in the dish?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of peas.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is creamy due to the alfredo component and thickens slightly while simmering.
Is the chicken cooked inside the sauce?
The chicken is already sautéed and sliced before being added to the pan to be heated through and simmered with the sauce.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized with the 'one dish meal' tag.
What is the recommended cooking level for the pasta?
The rigatoni should be cooked according to package instructions until it is 'al dente'.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
What heat setting should be used for sautéing the garlic?
The garlic and red pepper flakes should be sautéed over medium heat.
Can this recipe be used for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a 'family recipe' and serves 8 people.
What is the primary cooking oil used?
The recipe uses a drizzle of olive oil.
What should I do once the pasta is added to the sauce?
You should toss everything together until the rigatoni is evenly coated in the creamy spicy sauce and serve immediately.