Creamy Chipotle Chicken Rigatoni
This Creamy Chipotle Chicken Rigatoni is smoky, spicy, and indulgently creamy—a quick and comforting weeknight pasta everyone will love!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast diced, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies 1 can
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Spices
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir in the 2 teaspoons chipotle powder and 1 teaspoon cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the 1 cup heavy cream. Allow the sauce to warm through and thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Cheese
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained rigatoni pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded cheese over the pasta and gently stir until melted and creamy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, enjoying the warm, smoky, and creamy flavors in every bite.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Spatula
- Colander
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Grater
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering down the flavor.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the chipotle powder.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.