By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 3, 2023 | Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Buca di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and flavorful. With easy to find ingredients and simple instructions, you can easily recreate easy-to-find Italian cuisine in your own kitchen.
From start to finish, this dish takes a few minutes to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
With easy-to-follow instructions and short prep time, you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time! Try out this delicious Italian dish today and experience the amazing flavor of Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni for yourself!
What is Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni?
Buca di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is a classic Italian dish that combines creamy tomato sauce, rigatoni pasta, and juicy chicken. The dish has an undeniable spicy kick from the pepper flakes that adds an extra depth of flavor to this meal.
This delicious Italian dish is sure to be a hit with your whole family – even picky eaters! Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.
What does it taste like?
Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni has a rich and savory flavor, with an unexpected kick from the pepper flakes. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the creamy tomato sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to this dish.
The sweetness of the sweetcorn adds balance to the spiciness of the pepper flakes, making it a well-rounded and delicious meal. Plus, the rigatoni is perfectly cooked to be al dente and full of flavor.
How did I first get introduced to the Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni?
I first got introduced to Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni while visiting my aunt in Florida. She had raved about this restaurant for years, so I was eager to check it out!
When I arrived at the restaurant, the delicious smells of Italian food welcomed me as soon as I opened the door. Inside, I was greeted by a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. I was immediately excited to try their food!
When the waiter brought out my Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni, I was in awe of how beautiful it looked. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the creamy tomato sauce added an extra layer of flavor to this dish. Plus, the pepper flakes added a nice kick of spice that I was not expecting.
I savored every bite of the Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni and it quickly became one of my favorite meals. After that, I couldn’t wait to try making it myself at home!
Now, whenever I make this dish at home, it takes me right back to my first time enjoying it at the restaurant. It’s an amazing comfort food that I can always look forward to on busy weeknights.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is sure to become a family favorite!
How to make Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni?
Making Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni at home is incredibly easy and so delicious. From start to finish, this dish takes a few minutes to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights.
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious Italian dish!
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Ingredients
- Rigatoni Pasta: A type of pasta with ridges on the surface, perfect for holding onto sauce!
- Chicken Breasts: Lean protein to add a nice balance to this dish.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and adding flavor to the rigatoni.
- Pepper Flakes: Add spice and heat to this dish; adjust to your own preference.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Used for seasoning the chicken before cooking.
- Garlic: Adds a lovely flavor to the dish.
- Cream Cheese-Based Sauce: Creamy element that helps bring it all together.
- Marina Sauce: Rich tomato sauce with herbs and other spices; perfect for pasta.
- Frozen Sweet Corn: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Cook the Rigatoni
In a large pot, bring two quarts of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni and cook for about 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
Prepare the Chicken
In a medium-sized bowl, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic. Heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Once finished cooking, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3
Combine the Ingredients
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add in the cooked rigatoni, cream cheese-based and marinara sauces, pepper flakes, and sweet corn. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Thinly slice the chicken breasts and them to the pan. Stir together until everything is combined.
Step 4
Serve
Serve the Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni while it’s hot. Top with some freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious dinner!
Tips
- For an extra kick of spice, add more pepper flakes to the dish.
- If you don’t have cream cheese-based sauce, you can use any other kind of creamy pasta sauce like Alfredo or Garlic Cream Sauce.
- Top the rigatoni with some freshly chopped parsley for garnish and additional flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish for a boost of nutrition.
- If you want more protein, try adding some crumbled sausage or bacon to the rigatoni.
- To make this dish vegan, simply replace the chicken with tofu and use a plant-based cream sauce.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta such as quinoa or brown rice pasta.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, feel free to use garlic powder instead.
- If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can use any other type of pasta sauce like arrabbiata or Bolognese.
- To make this dish spicier, try adding some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dish after it’s cooked.
- For a cheesier flavor, you can add some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese to the dish.
- For a healthier version of this recipe, try using whole wheat rigatoni and lighter cream sauces like light Alfredo sauce.
Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Equipment
- A Pot
- a bowl
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes providing a fiery and spicy kick that adds a bold and zesty flavor to the dish, elevating its overall heat level.
- 1/8 tablespoon of Kosher Salt enhancing the flavors of the ingredients and bringing out their natural tastes while adding a subtle seasoning to the dish.
- 1/2 cup of Cream Cheese-Based Sauce creating a rich and velvety texture that coats the pasta, adding a creamy and indulgent element to the dish.
- 1/4 cup of Frozen Sweet Corn providing a burst of natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to the dish, adding a delightful crunch and freshness.
- 1 cup of vegetable oil or avocado oil serving as a high-heat cooking oil that ensures a crispy and golden texture when frying or sautéing ingredients, adding a touch of richness to the dish.
- 6 ounces of Boneless and Skinless chicken breasts offering lean and tender protein that adds heartiness and a savory element to the recipe, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup of Marinara Sauce offering a tangy and savory tomato-based sauce that brings depth and robustness to the dish, complementing the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon of Garlic, Minced infusing a pungent and aromatic essence that adds depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing its overall taste profile.
- 1/8 tablespoon of Freshly Ground Black Pepper adding a subtle spiciness and depth of flavor to the dish, balancing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall taste.
- 16- ounce Rigatoni Pasta a tube-shaped pasta with ridges that perfectly holds onto sauces, creating a satisfying and toothsome texture in every bite.
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring two quarts of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni and cook for about 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic. Heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Once finished cooking, transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add in the cooked rigatoni, cream cheese-based and marinara sauces, pepper flakes, and sweet corn. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Thinly slice the chicken breasts and them to the pan. Stir together until everything is combined.
- Serve the Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni while it's hot. Top with some freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious dinner!
Notes
- For an extra kick of spice, add more pepper flakes to the dish.
- If you don’t have cream cheese-based sauce, you can use any other kind of creamy pasta sauce like Alfredo or Garlic Cream Sauce.
- Top the rigatoni with some freshly chopped parsley for garnish and additional flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish for a boost of nutrition.
- If you want more protein, try adding some crumbled sausage or bacon to the rigatoni.
- To make this dish vegan, simply replace the chicken with tofu and use a plant-based cream sauce.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta such as quinoa or brown rice pasta.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, feel free to use garlic powder instead.
- If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can use any other type of pasta sauce like arrabbiata or Bolognese.
- To make this dish spicier, try adding some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dish after it’s cooked.
- For a cheesier flavor, you can add some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese to the dish.
- For a healthier version of this recipe, try using whole wheat rigatoni and lighter cream sauces like light Alfredo sauce.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni?
Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to serve additional sides, there are plenty of options! A light and fluffy garlic bread or focaccia pairs nicely with this Italian dish. Or try adding a simple green salad for an extra boost of nutrition.
For a heartier meal, you can also serve this dish with some roasted veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower. For a unique twist, try adding some cooked quinoa to the rigatoni for an extra layer of texture and flavor. No matter what sides you decide to pair it with, Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni
How to store leftover Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni?
Leftover Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Once cooled, transfer the rigatoni to an airtight container and place it in the fridge.
When you’re ready to reheat it, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time, it also freezes very well!
Transfer the cooled rigatoni to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes! Pregnant women can enjoy this delicious Italian dish in moderation. As with any food, it’s important to check the ingredients and make sure they are suitable for pregnancy.
In this case, the only ingredient that may need to be avoided is pepper flakes as they contain capsaicin which could cause some irritation when consumed in large amounts.
Otherwise, Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is a great option for pregnant women as it is high in protein and contains vegetables and whole grains to provide essential nutrients.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, you can definitely use different types of pasta in this dish. Rigatoni is the traditional choice but you can also substitute with whole wheat penne, fusilli, or shells.
Is this a kid-friendly?
Yes, this dish is kid-friendly and can easily be adjusted to their taste. Feel free to leave out the pepper flakes or reduce the amount if needed. You can also add additional vegetables like broccoli or peas to make it more nutritious.
Can I use different proteins in this dish?
Absolutely! If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute with other proteins like shrimp, sausage, or tofu. You can also omit the protein altogether if desired.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, this dish is easily adaptable to a vegan lifestyle. Simply replace the chicken with tofu and use a plant-based cream sauce in place of the cream cheese-based sauce.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out this tasty Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni recipe! This dish is the perfect combination of flavor, spice, and creaminess. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Plus, it’s full of protein and vegetables to provide essential nutrients to keep you healthy.
With a few simple swaps, this dish can easily be adjusted to accommodate different dietary needs. It’s also easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for later.
We hope you enjoyed this and we would love to hear your feedback! Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts on this spicy Italian classic.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
