Chicken Riggies

The Chicken Riggies recipe is a beloved classic from Central New York that brings together the boldness of spicy cherry peppers with a silky, tomato-cream sauce. Tossed with tender chicken and al dente rigatoni, this dish offers a comforting, rich flavor profile with just the right amount of heat to satisfy spice lovers.

It’s the perfect go-to for cozy dinners, dinner parties, or meal prep for the week. The sauce is incredibly luxurious thanks to heavy cream and Parmesan, while roasted red peppers add a subtle sweetness. With its quick cook time and restaurant-quality taste, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry peppers, sliced (mild or hot, to preference)
1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in cherry peppers and roasted red peppers, cooking for 2 minutes.
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then return the chicken to the pan. Simmer another 3–4 minutes.
Add cooked rigatoni and toss to coat in the sauce.
Serve garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 680 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Origins of Chicken Riggies

Chicken Riggies may not have the long and romanticized history of traditional Italian pasta dishes, but it has carved out a strong identity in the American food landscape. The exact origin is a bit murky, with multiple chefs and restaurants in the Utica area claiming to have created the first version in the 1980s.

Despite the debate, what’s clear is that Chicken Riggies is a proud product of Italian-American heritage. Utica’s rich history of Italian immigrants brought with them the culinary traditions of Southern Italy, and over time, local ingredients and preferences shaped new creations. The use of spicy cherry peppers and the inclusion of cream in the sauce are perfect examples of American innovation meeting Italian foundations.

This dish grew in popularity through local diners and family restaurants before earning national recognition. Today, it’s celebrated annually at food festivals and has become a symbol of Central New York’s culinary identity.

Why Chicken Riggies Stands Out

What sets Chicken Riggies apart from other pasta dishes is its balance of flavor, texture, and spice. It’s not just another creamy chicken pasta — it has personality. The sauce is simultaneously tangy from tomatoes, spicy from cherry peppers, and rich from the addition of cream and cheese. That kind of flavor layering is hard to beat.

Rigatoni pasta is the perfect vehicle for this dish. Its ridges and tube-like shape catch and hold onto the thick sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful. And the use of sautéed chicken breast gives the dish a lean protein boost while remaining tender and juicy when cooked properly.

This recipe also lends itself beautifully to customization. You can control the level of spice by choosing between hot or mild cherry peppers. You can add mushrooms, swap the chicken for shrimp, or go vegetarian by adding more roasted vegetables instead of meat. That versatility makes Chicken Riggies a go-to option for home cooks who like to get creative in the kitchen.

Healthier Tweaks and Dietary Adjustments

While the traditional Chicken Riggies recipe is indulgent and comforting, it’s possible to make lighter versions that still retain all the flavor. Here are some simple swaps and tips for health-conscious adaptations:

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut down on fat while maintaining creaminess.
Whole wheat or gluten-free rigatoni can be used to cater to specific dietary needs.
Grilled chicken breast instead of sautéed can reduce the overall calorie count and introduce a smoky flavor.
Vegetable broth in place of white wine for those avoiding alcohol or looking for a lighter taste.
Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase fiber and nutrition.

These small changes can help transform the dish into a more everyday-friendly meal without sacrificing the qualities that make it special.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Riggies

Whether you’re making Chicken Riggies for the first time or looking to perfect your version, here are some pro tips to help you elevate the dish:

Sear the chicken well: Get a nice golden-brown crust on your chicken before removing it from the pan. This adds extra flavor to both the meat and the sauce.
Use high-quality tomatoes: Since the tomato base is key, choose canned crushed tomatoes with a rich flavor. San Marzano varieties work particularly well.
Don’t skip the peppers: The cherry peppers are essential for that signature kick. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance, but don’t eliminate them entirely unless absolutely necessary.
Balance your sauce: If your sauce is too acidic from the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar. If it’s too rich, a splash of pasta water can help loosen and lighten it.
Finish the pasta in the sauce: Once the pasta is al dente, toss it directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Letting everything cook together for a couple minutes helps the flavors meld and ensures the pasta absorbs some of that spicy, creamy goodness.

When to Serve Chicken Riggies

Chicken Riggies is a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions:

Weeknight Dinners: It’s hearty, quick to prepare, and satisfying enough for the whole family.
Dinner Parties: With its bold flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s perfect for impressing guests.
Game Day Meals: The spicy element makes it a great addition to a tailgate or sports-themed menu.
Potlucks and Family Gatherings: It reheats well and can be made in large batches, making it ideal for sharing.
Comfort Food Nights: On chilly evenings when you want something rich and cozy, this dish is exactly what you need.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, Chicken Riggies stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken after chilling.

You can also freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for up to a month. Simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove, boil fresh pasta, and toss it all together when ready to serve. This makes it great for meal prep or for having an emergency comfort meal ready to go.

Conclusion

Chicken Riggies is more than just a pasta dish — it’s a testament to the rich, evolving legacy of Italian-American cooking. Born in Central New York and loved for its spicy, creamy flavor, this dish has become a favorite across the United States. Whether you’re drawn to the satisfying texture of rigatoni, the heat of cherry peppers, or the luxurious finish of a tomato-cream sauce, there’s something deeply comforting about this meal.

Its adaptability and bold flavors make it a staple in many households, especially for those who crave a little heat in their comfort food. From its humble origins to its rising popularity in modern food culture, Chicken Riggies continues to earn its place on dinner tables everywhere.

Serve it up with a side salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that will warm hearts and bring people together. Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, Chicken Riggies is one of those rare recipes that never fails to impress.