Quick Overview
Looking for a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor? This Blackened Chicken Rigatoni recipe is just what you need. With tender, spicy blackened chicken paired with hearty rigatoni pasta and a creamy sauce, this dish delights your taste buds in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner party, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Breasts
You’ll need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound). These provide the base for our dish. When cooked properly, they become juicy and infused with spices.
Blackening Seasoning
This seasoning blend includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and oregano. Use about 2 tablespoons for an authentic flavor that adds a bit of heat to the chicken.
Olive Oil
You will require 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken while adding richness to the dish.
Rigatoni Pasta
Prepare 8 ounces of rigatoni pasta. This tube-shaped pasta holds onto sauces well and provides a satisfying bite when served.
Heavy Cream
Use 1 cup of heavy cream for a luscious sauce. It creates a rich texture that balances the spiciness from the blackening seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese
Grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. This adds depth and creaminess to your sauce while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Fresh Parsley
Chop about ¼ cup of fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and freshness to the dish, making it visually appealing.
Step By Step Recipe: Blackened Chicken Rigatoni
Prepare Ingredients
Start by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Ensure you have everything ready before cooking to streamline the process. This makes cooking efficient and enjoyable.
Season Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and oregano to create the blackening seasoning. Rub this mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast.
Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking. A properly heated pan ensures that your chicken gets that desired blackened crust without becoming too oily.
Cook Chicken
Place seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
Boil Rigatoni
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside once done.
Make Sauce
In the same skillet used for cooking chicken (with residual oil), pour in heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This infuses great flavor into your sauce.
Add Cheese
Once the cream starts to simmer gently (not boiling), whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper as needed for taste adjustments before mixing well.
Combine Pasta & Chicken
Add drained rigatoni directly into the sauce followed by sliced blackened chicken pieces. Toss everything together until combined well so that each piece is coated with creamy sauce.
Garnish & Serve
Transfer your delectable blackened chicken rigatoni onto serving plates or bowls. Top with chopped fresh parsley for color before serving hot for everyone to enjoy!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serve Immediately
For optimal flavor and texture, serve your blackened chicken rigatoni right after preparing it while it’s still warm. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with freshly cooked pasta.
Store Leftovers Properly
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days while maintaining freshness.
Reheat Gently
When reheating leftover blackened chicken rigatoni, do so on low heat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk or cream added to maintain its creamy consistency without drying out.
This delightful Blackened Chicken Rigatoni can quickly become one of your favorite recipes due to its robust flavors and simple preparation process!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when preparing Blackened Chicken Rigatoni is not using a high-quality skillet. A good skillet ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for achieving that perfect blackened crust. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the chicken may steam instead of sear, resulting in a lackluster texture.
Another frequent error is overcooking the chicken. When blackening, aim for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken which detracts from the overall dish. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Failing to season adequately can ruin your Blackened Chicken Rigatoni. The seasoning blend is what gives the dish its signature flavor, so be generous but balanced with spices. A lack of seasoning can leave your pasta bland and unappealing.
Not cooking pasta al dente is another pitfall. Rigatoni should retain some bite to hold up against the sauce and chicken. Cooking it too long will result in mushy pasta that doesn’t complement the other ingredients.
Lastly, skipping fresh herbs as a garnish is a missed opportunity. Herbs like parsley or basil add freshness and contrast to the richness of the dish, making it visually and tastefully appealing.
Tips and tricks
To make the best Blackened Chicken Rigatoni, start by marinating your chicken. A simple marinade of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices will enhance flavors significantly. Allow at least 30 minutes for this step; it ensures that the chicken absorbs all those delicious notes before you begin cooking.
When selecting spices for blackening, consider creating your own blend for more control over flavor intensity. Combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper for a robust mix. Each spice contributes uniquely to that iconic blackened taste while allowing room for adjustments based on your preference.
Properly preheat your skillet or cast-iron pan until it’s extremely hot before adding oil. This method creates that caramelized crust on your chicken while locking in moisture. Test the heat by splashing a drop of water in the pan—if it dances and evaporates quickly, you’re ready to cook!
While cooking rigatoni, remember that timing is essential. Aim to finish boiling just before adding it to your sauce so that everything blends seamlessly without cooling down the dish. This practice helps maintain temperature and enhances flavor absorption.
Finally, don’t forget about finishing touches like freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for an additional kick. These elements add depth and brightness to your meal while enhancing presentation.
Suggestions for Blackened Chicken Rigatoni
For an extra layer of flavor in your Blackened Chicken Rigatoni, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes into your sauce mixture. Their sweetness complements the spicy blackened chicken beautifully while offering a textural balance in each bite.
You might also want to add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers into your dish during cooking. These colorful additions not only increase nutrition but also add vibrant color and freshness that can elevate both appearance and taste.
If you enjoy creamy sauces, consider blending cream or cheese into your sauce after cooking it down with chicken broth or tomato base. This option creates a rich coating on the rigatoni while balancing out any spiciness from the blackened chicken.
Pairing this dish with a light salad can provide a refreshing counterbalance to its richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works wonders without overpowering flavors in Blackened Chicken Rigatoni.
Finally, if you’re looking for variations on this recipe, try substituting shrimp or fish instead of chicken for different textures and flavors that appeal to seafood lovers.
FAQs
What is Blackened Chicken Rigatoni?
Blackened Chicken Rigatoni is a flavorful pasta dish featuring rigatoni pasta topped with seasoned blackened chicken breast cooked until crispy on the outside yet juicy inside. The meal typically includes complementary ingredients like vegetables and sauce, making it hearty and satisfying for any palate.
How do I achieve perfectly blackened chicken?
To achieve perfectly blackened chicken for your Blackened Chicken Rigatoni dish, ensure you use high heat when cooking in a well-preheated skillet or cast-iron pan. Coat both sides of the chicken breast generously with your spice blend before placing them in hot oil—this fosters that desired crust while keeping moisture locked inside.
Can I make Blackened Chicken Rigatoni ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare components of Blackened Chicken Rigatoni ahead of time by marinating the chicken earlier in the day or even overnight for enhanced flavors. Cooked pasta can be stored separately until serving time—this strategy allows you to quickly reheat everything together when ready to enjoy.
What sides pair well with Blackened Chicken Rigatoni?
Ideal side dishes include light salads made with mixed greens or roasted vegetables seasoned simply with olive oil & salt; these options complement rich flavors without overwhelming them! Garlic bread also serves well alongside this pasta dish as an excellent vehicle for dipping into any leftover sauce!
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you wish to modify flavors or accommodate dietary needs within your Blackened Chicken Rigatoni recipe—consider swapping out proteins (like shrimp instead) or using gluten-free pasta varieties if necessary; just be mindful about how changes affect overall cooking times!
Is Blackened Chicken Rigatoni spicy?
The level of spiciness in Blackened Chicken Rigatoni largely depends on how much cayenne pepper you include within its seasoning blend; adjust according to personal preferences! Many enjoy balancing heat by adding creamy elements such as sauces which mellow out spice levels seamlessly when served together!
Summary
In summary, creating delicious Blackened Chicken Rigatoni involves careful attention to detail—from avoiding common mistakes like overcooking protein or under-seasoning sauces—to employing effective tips such as using fresh ingredients throughout each step of preparation! Enhance this delightful meal further with suggested modifications tailored towards individual tastes!
Print
Blackened Chicken Rigatoni
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Blackened Chicken Rigatoni features tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce with perfectly spiced blackened chicken. It’s a flavorful dish that brings together southern flavors and Italian comfort food!
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Rub the blackening seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine cooked rigatoni with the sauce, stirring well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Slice the blackened chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
This dish is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture. Feel free to adjust the spice level by using more or less blackening seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: chicken, pasta, blackened, rigatoni, creamy sauce