Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/12 checked
6
servings
2 unit

chicken breast halves

grilled and diced

9 unit

Rigatoni Pasta

cooked

2 cup

Fire roasted tomato pasta sauce

canned

0.5 cup

heavy cream

0.33 cup

Romano cheese

finely grated

1 clove

garlic

finely minced

1 tsp

red pepper flakes

optional

1 tsp

salt

1 tsp

black pepper

freshly ground

1 pint

grape tomatoes

diced into halves

12 unit

fresh mozzarella

grated

16 unit

fresh basil

chopped chiffonade style

Step 1
~4 min

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2
~4 min

Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions.

Step 3
~4 min

While pasta is boiling, heat tomato pasta sauce, heavy cream, Romano cheese, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Step 4
~4 min

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5
~4 min

Cook, stirring frequently, until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6
~4 min

Drain cooked pasta well and return it to the pot.

Step 7
~4 min

Add grilled diced chicken, grape tomatoes, half of the grated mozzarella, and half of the chopped basil ribbons to the pasta.

Step 8
~4 min

Pour warm sauce over the pasta mixture.

Step 9
~4 min

Toss to evenly coat all ingredients.

Step 10
~4 min

Pour the mixture into a greased casserole or baking dish.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 11
~4 min

Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 12
~4 min

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 13
~4 min

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor.

Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic bread
Caesar salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy/United States

Cultural Significance

Fusion dish that combines Italian flavors with American cooking styles.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Family gatherings
Potlucks

Occasion Tags

Dinner party
Weeknight meal
Family dinner

Popularity Score

65/100

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