Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe: Recreate the Restaurant Favorite at Home

A Taste of Buca Di Beppo in Your Kitchen

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this mouth-watering copycat recipe of Buca Di Beppo’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. This classic Italian pasta dish is a masterclass in bold flavors, with tender chicken, spicy kick, and a rich, creamy sauce all wrapped up in a satisfying rigatoni package.

The Perfect Blend of Spices and Flavors

This recipe combines the perfect balance of spicy and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the cherry peppers. The spicy kick comes from the red pepper flakes, while the creamy sauce is made with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheese.

Ingredients:

• 500g rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup (240g) cherry peppers, sliced
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (120g) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp (30g) ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp (2g) red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Temperature Guide:

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Ready to bring the bold flavors of Buca Di Beppo’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni to your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

This recipe serves 4-6 and can be prepared in under 45 minutes. The cooking time is approximately 25-30 minutes at 200°C / 400°F.

Ingredients:

• 340g / 1.5 cups rigatoni pasta
• 450g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 60g / 1/4 cup olive oil
• 30g / 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 15g / 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 240g / 1 cup spicy tomato sauce
• 120g / 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F.
2. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions.
3. Prepare the spicy chicken and tomato sauce mixture.
4. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and Parmesan cheese.

This Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is a spicy and satisfying dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Ingredients

Ready to recreate the fiery flavors of Buca Di Beppo’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni at home? Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting and flavorful dish.

• 375 g / 13 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 kg / 2.2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Ingredients

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, for extra spice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, for a richer sauce

Preparing Buca Di Beppo-Style Spicy Chicken Rigatoni: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready to indulge in the bold flavors of Italy with this mouth-watering Spicy Chicken Rigatoni recipe, inspired by the renowned Buca Di Beppo.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (10 minutes)

Season 450g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.

• In a large bowl, combine chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken (8 minutes)

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (200°C / 392°F).

1. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic (4 minutes)

Reduce heat to medium (180°C / 356°F) and sauté 1 large onion, diced, and 3 cloves garlic, minced, in 2 tbsp olive oil until softened.

• Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.

Step 4: Add the Spicy Tomato Sauce (8 minutes)

Add 1 can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet.

1. Pour crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce (15 minutes)

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together.

• Allow the sauce to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have combined and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 6: Cook the Rigatoni (8-10 minutes)

Cook 240g / 1 cup rigatoni pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water (100°C / 212°F) until al dente.

1. Cook rigatoni pasta in boiling, salted water for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.

Step 7: Combine the Chicken, Sauce, and Pasta (2 minutes)

Combine cooked rigatoni, spicy tomato sauce, and shredded cooked chicken in a large serving dish.

• Combine cooked pasta, spicy tomato sauce, and shredded chicken in a large serving dish. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy (immediate)

Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

• Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

To elevate your Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe, consider the following expert advice. Consider using high-quality ingredients, such as 450 g / 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast, and 225 g / 8 oz of rigatoni pasta, to ensure the best flavor and texture.

Flavor Enhancement

• Use a mix of granulated sugar (15 g / 1 tbsp) and smoked paprika (7 g / 1 tsp) to balance the heat from the red pepper flakes (2 g / 1 tsp).
• Add freshly ground black pepper (5 g / 1 tsp) to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Texture Improvement and Time-Saving Hacks

1. Cook the rigatoni pasta al dente in boiling, salted water at 95°C / 203°F to prevent overcooking.
2. Prepare the spicy chicken and sauce simultaneously to save time and ensure a smooth cooking process.

Avoid common pitfalls like overcooking the chicken, which can result in dry, tough meat. Instead, cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F for optimal tenderness.

Ingredient Swaps for Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! This recipe is pretty flexible. Here are some swaps you can make:

1. Chicken: Feel free to substitute with cooked shrimp, diced Italian sausage, or even crumbled tofu for a vegan option.
2. Rigatoni: While rigatoni works best for catching the sauce, other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini will do the trick.
3. Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk. You may want to thicken the sauce slightly with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) if using almond milk.
4. Parmesan Cheese: If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or omit it altogether.

Spice Level

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you prefer a spicier kick.

Optional Ingredients

• Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrients.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor.

Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Variations

Take your Buca Di Beppo-inspired Spicy Chicken Rigatoni to the next level with these creative variations, each offering a unique twist on flavor and ingredient combinations.

1. Mediterranean Mash-Up

• Add 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and 1/4 cup of artichoke hearts to the chicken mixture for a salty, savory flavor.
• Replace the red pepper flakes with 1 tsp of dried oregano and 1 tsp of lemon zest for a brighter, more herbaceous taste.

Time: 5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook time.

2. Spicy Southwestern

• Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an intense, smoky heat.
• Replace the rigatoni with gluten-free corn pasta for a Southwestern-inspired twist.

Time: 5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook time.

3. Vegetarian Option: Roasted Vegetable Rigatoni

• Replace the chicken with 1 cup of roasted eggplant, zucchini, and red bell pepper, diced.
• Add 1 tsp of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.

Time: 10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cook time.

4. Gluten-Free Adjustment: Cauliflower Gnocchi

• Replace the rigatoni with 1 cup of cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
• Add 1 tsp of garlic powder for an extra depth of flavor.

Time: 5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook time.

Storage and Reheating

To maintain the quality of Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni, proper storage is essential. Cool leftovers to room temperature within 2 hours, then refrigerate at 4°C / 39°F or freeze at -18°C / 0°F.

• Room temperature: 2 hours maximum
• Refrigerator: store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Freezer: store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months

For reheating, use the following guidelines:
Refrigerated leftovers: reheat to 74°C / 165°F within 3 days.
Frozen leftovers: thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat to 74°C / 165°F.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best cooks can run into a few hiccups while making Buca Di Beppo’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. Don’t worry, these common issues are easy to fix!

1. Sauce Too Thick

   If your sauce has become too thick, simply add a little bit of pasta water to thin it out. Start with a tablespoon or two and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

2. Chicken Not Cooked Through

   Make sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you’re concerned, you can always cook it for a few extra minutes.

3. Pasta Overcooked

   Avoid overcooked pasta by following the package directions closely. The pasta should be al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite to it.

4. Not Spicy Enough

   Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more if you want a spicier dish.

With a little attention and these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni that’s sure to impress!

Nutritional Information for Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

This Spicy Chicken Rigatoni recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 540 per serving (°C: 22°C = 72°F; °F: 72°F)
• Macronutrients: 33g protein, 30g fat, 45g carbohydrates
• Vitamins and Minerals: 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A, 25% of the DV for vitamin C, and 15% of the DV for iron

This recipe is suitable for gluten-free (GF) diets but not suitable for dairy-free (DF) or vegan diets due to the presence of chicken and Parmesan cheese.

Key Takeaways: Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe brings the beloved flavors of Buca Di Beppo’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni right to your kitchen. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, and a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sure to impress.

• Flavor Profile: Expect a delightful blend of rich, creamy tomato sauce with a kick of spice. The chicken adds a savory depth, while the rigatoni provides a satisfying chew.
• Cooking Time: This recipe is surprisingly quick to make, taking around 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Serving Size: This recipe is generously portioned, easily serving 4-6 people.

The secret to this dish lies in the homemade spicy sauce, which is simmered to perfection with a blend of aromatic vegetables, spices, and a touch of cream. The result is a sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken, creating a truly irresistible experience.

Author’s Notes

I’ve always been a fan of Buca Di Beppo’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni, and after reverse-engineering their recipe, I’m excited to share it with you. This dish is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, and its bold flavors and spicy kick make it a crowd-pleaser.

When developing this recipe, I focused on recreating the perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and rich chicken broth, and to cook the rigatoni al dente for a satisfying texture.

Tips and Variations

• To add an extra layer of heat, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage.
• For a creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking.
• Don’t skip the red pepper flakes – they’re essential to the dish’s signature spiciness.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Buon appetito, and I hope you enjoy this Buca Di Beppo-inspired Spicy Chicken Rigatoni as much as I do!

Enjoy Your Homemade Spicy Chicken Rigatoni!

Now that you’ve prepared the Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe, it’s time to savor the flavors and textures of this beloved dish. With its perfect balance of spicy and savory, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

To make the most of your culinary creation, consider sharing your experience with others. Take a few moments to capture a photo of your finished dish, and share it on social media using relevant hashtags. This is a great way to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and get inspiration for future meals.

• Share your recipe reviews and feedback in the comments section below.
• Post your food photography and tag your friends who love Italian cuisine.
• Experiment with variations of the Buca Di Beppo Spicy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe and share your unique twists.

By sharing your experiences and tips, you’ll not only enhance your own enjoyment of the recipe but also contribute to a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals.