Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsMama Carolla'sChicken Rigatoni Recipe

Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Inspired by Mama Carolla's
Time30m
Serves4

sauteed chicken strips with spinach, pancetta, garlic, crushed red pepper and romano cheese in a spicy white wine sauce

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Ingredients

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Protein

Pasta

Vegetables

Meat

Spices

Liquids

Cheese

Seasoning

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Rigatoni

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Chicken

    While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into strips. Season with salt and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Chop the Garlic

    Mince the garlic cloves.

  4. 4

    Dice the Pancetta

    Cut the pancetta into small cubes.

Cooking

  1. 5

    Sauté the Pancetta

    In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove pancetta from the skillet and set aside.

  2. 6

    Cook the Chicken

    In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken strips and sauté until cooked through and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.

  3. 7

    Add Garlic and Spinach

    Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

  4. 8

    Combine Ingredients

    Return the cooked pancetta to the skillet. Add crushed red pepper flakes and pour in the dry white wine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the sauce reduce slightly.

  5. 9

    Combine with Pasta

    Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of pasta water.

  6. 10

    Finish with Cheese

    Remove from heat and stir in the Romano cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

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