If you have a soft spot for creamy, indulgent casseroles, then this Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly cooked rigatoni bathed in a luscious, garlicky cheese sauce layered with tender chicken and topped with a golden brown, bubbly cheese crust. This dish is not only packed with comfort but also strikes the perfect balance between rich flavors and a homey, inviting texture that warms you up from the inside out. Whether it’s meant for a family dinner or a casual weekend treat, this recipe never fails to impress and delight with every cheesy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the hearty rigatoni to the creamy cheese blend, every element plays a key role in making this dish truly unforgettable.
- 12 oz Rigatoni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto that rich, creamy sauce with every forkful.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: Adds protein and a tender, savory bite to complement the cheesy sauce.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings a smooth, velvety base that deepens the dish’s flavor without overpowering.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that stretchy, gooey cheese experience everyone loves.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick to the sauce for extra depth.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cheese soup: An additional cheesy layer that intensifies the creamy richness.
- 1 (5-oz) can evaporated milk: Provides smooth creaminess without being too heavy.
- 1¼ cup heavy cream: The secret to a luscious, thick sauce that clings perfectly to the rigatoni.
- 2 tsp minced garlic: Injects a fragrant warmth that balances the richness and livens up the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Ensures a golden, bubbly, irresistible crust on top.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (for topping): Sprinkled over the top for an extra punch of savory goodness.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Just a hint of spice to enhance and round out the flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly baked with minimal mess.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni
Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Be careful not to overcook because the pasta will continue to soften in the oven. Once cooked, drain the rigatoni thoroughly and set aside. This step sets the stage for the perfect pasta texture in your final dish.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, combine the cheese soup, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. Removing it from the heat, stir in the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. This rich sauce is the heart of the Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe—creamy, garlicky, and full of cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the cooked rigatoni, chopped chicken, cream of chicken soup, and the luscious cheese sauce. Mixing everything evenly ensures every bite will be packed with flavor and creaminess.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup parmesan cheese on top. This will create that signature golden, bubbly, irresistible topping that makes the dish so mouthwatering.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dish uncovered for 45 minutes. The cheese on top should be bubbling and turn a beautiful golden brown, signaling that your Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set up perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese. You can also add a light dusting of extra parmesan for that final savory touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this decadent dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. These lighter sides provide balance, refreshing your palate between bites and rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets topped with extra cheese and broil briefly for an extra crusty finish. Another fun option is layering the pasta in clear glass casserole dishes for a visually stunning presentation that shows off the layers of cheesy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will mingle beautifully overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Cover with foil if it begins to brown too much. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method works best to maintain that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because its ridges hold the sauce well, penne, ziti, or even shells would work nicely to capture the creamy cheese sauce and chicken.
Is it possible to make this recipe without canned soups?
Yes! For a fresher take, you can substitute homemade cream soups or a béchamel sauce, but the canned soups add a convenient depth of flavor and help keep the dish creamy and comforting.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream and reduce the cheese slightly. Using grilled chicken breast instead of cooked chicken with skin can also lighten the protein portion.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers can bring a nice texture and boost the nutritional profile without overwhelming the cheesy heart of the recipe.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the sauce is hot throughout. A carefully timed 45 minutes in the oven should give you just that.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is one of those standout dishes that makes you feel cozy and thoroughly satisfied with every forkful. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet comforting enough for special occasions. If you’re craving ultimate cheesy comfort food, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender cooked chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a rich homemade cheese sauce made with cream soups, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, it bakes to bubbly, golden perfection in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta & Chicken
- 12 oz Rigatoni (approximately 4–1/2 cups dry)
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
Cheese Sauces
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cheese soup
- 1 (5-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for sauce)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (for sauce)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (for topping)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Pasta. Boil the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly to remove all water.
- Make the Cheese Sauce. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cheese soup, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rigatoni, chopped cooked chicken, the can of cream of chicken soup, and the prepared cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole. Spoon the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup parmesan cheese to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the cheese sauce or as garnish after baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when making the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute rotini or penne pasta if rigatoni is unavailable, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be a bit less rich.
