**Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe: A Hug in a Bowl!**
Hello lovely people! Today, we’re whipping up a comforting and utterly delicious Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni that’s perfect for a cozy night in or sharing with loved ones. This recipe is designed to be simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Get ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug!
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings and takes approximately 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
* 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-mozzarella blend for extra creaminess!)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
**Let’s Get Cooking!**
**Cook the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Simmer the Sauce:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Cook the Pasta:** While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
5. **Make it Creamy & Cheesy!** Add the cooked chicken back into the tomato sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until mostly smooth. Pour this cheesy mixture into the sauce and stir gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. **Combine Everything:** Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems a little thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. **Serve with Love:** Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish!
This Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni is wonderfully comforting and easy to digest. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to bring smiles to your table. Let me know if you try it – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking! ❤️ .