Name: Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta (cooked al dente); 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded (rotisserie works great!)); 1 can (10.5 oz cream of chicken soup); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz cheese soup); 1 cup evaporated milk; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 garlic cloves (minced); ½ tsp black pepper

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When I first made this Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Recipe, I knew it was going to be a hit. The creamy, gooey cheese sauce coating tender pasta and juicy chicken was everything I wanted in a comforting meal. I took an easy shortcut with rotisserie chicken, and it was ready in no time without sacrificing flavor.

It’s the perfect choice for a casual family dinner or a busy weeknight meal. Paired with a crisp salad and some garlic bread, it feels like pure comfort food. Everyone who’s tasted this dish has asked for seconds, and I won’t lie—I usually help myself to another plate too.

Everything You Need for Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni

These simple and accessible ingredients make this dish as easy as it is delicious.

12 ounces of rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente to hold up in baking.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!).
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup for a luscious, creamy texture.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for gooey, melty goodness.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, nutty flavor.
1 can (10.5 oz) of cheese soup to amp up the cheesy factor.
1 cup evaporated milk to bring a silky finish to the sauce.
½ cup heavy cream for richness.
2 cloves garlic, minced, to add depth to the savory flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper to season the dish perfectly.

Note: This recipe yields 6 servings. Adjust quantities to fit your family size!

Custom Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is super versatile! Try these variations to match your preferences or dietary needs.

Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or sautéed mushrooms for a nutrient boost.
Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
Go Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free rigatoni or pasta substitutions.
Cheese Swap: Use cheddar, Gruyère, or gouda for different cheesy flavors.

Cooking Time Breakdown

This dish balances speed and flavor. Here’s how much time you’ll need.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Tools You Need for Perfect Results

With these basic tools, you’ll whip up cheesy chicken rigatoni like a pro.

Large Saucepan for cooking the pasta and managing the sauce.
9×13-inch Baking Dish to bake the casserole into cheesy perfection.
Mixing Bowl for tossing the chicken, pasta, and sauce.
Cheese Grater for freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni?

Making this dish is simple, and the result is absolutely worth it. Follow these easy steps!

Boil the Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Cook the rigatoni until just shy of al dente, then drain it well. This gives the pasta the perfect texture to soak in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy during baking.

Whisk Up the Cheese Sauce

Warm a saucepan over medium heat and combine the cheese soup, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend, letting the mixture heat until it starts to bubble gently. Lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, and black pepper, melting the cheeses into a velvety, luxurious sauce.

Mix Everything Together

Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and prepared cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Toss the ingredients until the rigatoni is coated in the rich, creamy mixture and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta mixture in, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan on top for an irresistible cheesy crust.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes. The top should be bubbly and golden brown, with a perfectly melted, lightly crisp cheese layer.

Cool and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to cut and serve. Use a spoon to dish up generous portions, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, cheesy masterpiece!

Tips to Make This Dish Perfect

These tried-and-tested tips ensure your cheesy chicken rigatoni turns out amazing every time.

Grate Fresh Cheese: Don’t use pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercooking rigatoni ensures it stays firm after baking. Cook to just shy of al dente!
Balance the Sauce: If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.
Season Generously: Taste before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or add extra garlic for depth.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni?

Turn this cheesy casserole into a full-fledged feast with easy serving ideas. Plate the rigatoni alongside a vibrant side salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette. The fresh, tart flavors are perfect for cutting through the creamy richness of the dish.

Pair it with warm, buttery garlic bread for scooping up extra sauce, or opt for classic dinner rolls for a more traditional pairing. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and a hint of herby brightness. You’ll feel like you’re indulging in a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutrition per serving of this indulgent dish.

Calories: 600
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 35g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Save time by prepping this dish ahead or freezing leftovers for a quick meal later.

Refrigeration

Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake as directed when ready, adding a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Freezing

Cheesy chicken rigatoni freezes beautifully. Place the assembled (unbaked) casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe?

This comforting pasta dish is loaded with qualities that make it an all-time favorite!

Easy to Make: No fancy tools or long instructions. This casserole is quick and stress-free!
Irresistibly Cheesy: The gooey cheese sauce and crispy, melty topping are truly next-level.
Family & Crowd-Friendly: Loved by kids, adults, and everyone in between. Perfect for gatherings too!
Versatile Options: Adjust veggies, spices, or cheese to suit your taste. It’s delicious, no matter how you customize it!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep in advance or freeze leftovers for a no-hassle meal any time.

Comfort food doesn’t get better than this cheesy chicken rigatoni. With a balance of rich flavors, easy prep, and ultimate flexibility, it’s bound to become a go-to dish in your home. Try it today and experience the cheesy perfection for yourself!