Chef Lynn’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni with Gorgonzola Sauce

This is Chef Lynn’s version of her favorite dish at Popolano’s, one that she likes even better than the original. While it looks like lots of steps at first glance, the most time consuming task is combining all the seasonings to coat the chicken. Another bonus: other than the pot to cook the pasta, you only need one skillet to make this dish. Makes 4-6 servings. (I have permission to share her recipe.)

I’ve made some notes about substitutions below. While we discussed making this healthier, she makes it so rarely that we are going with the “only eat it if it’s amazing” principle. Portion control is also a great way to enjoy this pasta dish and stick with a healthy eating plan.

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon of ground Black Pepper
1 Tbsp Basil
1 Tbsp Oregano
1 Tbsp Thyme
1/4 tsp Ground Rosemary
1 tsp crushed Red Pepper
1 tsp Chili Powder
1/8 tsp Cumin
2 Tbsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 lb. Mushrooms, sliced
1 Shallot, minced
3/4 cup low sodium Chicken Broth/Stock
1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
4 oz Gorgonzola Cheese
1 oz fresh Parmesan Cheese
1 oz Romano Cheese
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
2 Tbsp fresh Parsley, chopped
3/4 pound rigatoni

Instructions:
Mix the salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, red pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic and onion powders in a large bowl. Add the cubed chicken and toss until coated. In a large frying pan, heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil over moderate heat. Once hot, add the chicken, brown on all sides and cook until done. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining olive oil to the hot pan, along with the mushrooms and 1/8 tsp salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, just until they start to get a little soft. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

Add the shallot, broth and Worcestershire sauce to the hot pan. Cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to dislodge any browned bits that cling to the bottom. Simmer until the liquid is reduced to about 1/3 cup, approximately 5 minutes.

Add all of the cheese and cream to the pan along with the chicken, mushrooms and any accumulated juices. Add the parsley and simmer to heat through.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni until just done, about 14 minutes. Drain pasta and toss it with the sauce.

Carol’s substitutions (because I didn’t have the right ingredient or require gluten and dairy free)

*Shallot—Finely chopped red or yellow onion, ¼ to ½ cup
*Chicken broth–vegetable broth
*Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Romano cheeses—6 ounces goat cheese
*Heavy Cream—Reconstituted goat milk
*Rigatoni—Gluten-free pasta of your choice cooked according to package directions