Creamy Mushroom Rigatoni with Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
Salt, for the pasta water
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups sliced mushrooms (button mushrooms or cremini)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
Fresh microgreens (such as arugula or basil)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions, until al dente (usually about 10 minutes).
Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken chunks to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, until they release their moisture and become tender.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta to a simple white plate. Garnish with fresh microgreens for a pop of color and freshness.
6. Enjoy:
Place the plate on a surface in your cozy dining setup, allowing the soft natural daylight to highlight the creamy coating of the pasta, the earthy texture of the mushrooms, and the vibrant green of the microgreens.
This comforting dish will shine in a close-up shot with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, perfect for a relaxed meal.
This creamy mushroom rigatoni with chicken will make for an inviting and visually appealing meal, perfect for a cozy dinner at home!