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Spicy Rigatoni with Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Bites

Posted · by The Hangry Wife

This Spicy Rigatoni with Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Bites is creamy, spicy, crispy, cheesy—and basically everything I want in a comfort-food dinner.

And because we're not stopping at pasta, I added crispy Parmesan asparagus on the side. Because balance.

Jump to recipe
Prep
30 minutes
Total
45 minutes
Serves
4–6

Ingredients

Spicy Rigatoni

  • 12 oz rigatoni
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1–2 tbsp crushed red pepper, to taste
  • 2–3 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil + extra Parmesan, for topping

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Bites

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 egg
  • Olive oil or cooking spray

Parmesan Asparagus

  • Asparagus
  • Olive oil
  • Parmesan
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Lemon pepper

Instructions

Spicy Rigatoni

  1. Cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain.

  2. Sauté the garlic in the olive oil until fragrant.

  3. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for a few minutes.

  4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan and seasonings.

  5. Add the pasta and toss until coated.

  6. Finish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Bites

  1. Season the chicken.

  2. Dip in the beaten egg, then coat with the Parmesan, breadcrumbs and seasonings.

  3. Cook in a skillet with a little olive oil until golden and cooked through, or air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Parmesan Asparagus

  1. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and lemon pepper.

  2. Roast at 425°F for 10–15 minutes, until tender and golden.

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