Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni (Copycat Romano's Macaroni Grill)

Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni (Copycat Romano's Macaroni Grill)

This is the actual Macaroni Grill recipe for Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni. At home, I use a combination of olive oil (2 T) and butter (4T) instead of butter flavored oil (less overall as well). In addition, I use Kittencal's recipe for caramelized onions http://www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-caramelized-onions-89007.

Ingredients

  • butter-flavored oil
    6 oz
  • mushrooms
    8 oz
  • grilled chicken
    12 oz
  • salt and pepper
  • basil
    2 tsp
  • caramelized onion
    6 oz
  • cooking wine
    6 oz
  • heavy cream
    20 oz
  • rigatoni pasta
    24 oz
  • parmesan cheese
    2 oz

Directions

  1. 1

    In a hot sauté pan add butter flavored oil, mushrooms, chicken, basil, caramelized onions, salt and pepper and sauté for approximately 60 to 90 seconds.

  2. 2

    Add the wine and sauté for 60 seconds. Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil over high heat. Dip pre-cooked pasta in boiling water for 10 seconds, drain thoroughly.

  3. 3

    Put pasta in sauté pan and sauté until well incorporated. Toss briefly over fire, add parmesan cheese and continue to toss until cheese is completely incorporated.

  4. 4

    Transfer to plate, garnish with parsley.

Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni (Copycat Romano's Macaroni Grill)

Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni (Copycat Romano's Macaroni Grill)

35 min1421 cal

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About this Recipe

Missing that creamy, satisfying taste of Romano's Macaroni Grill's classic Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni? Now you can bring that beloved restaurant flavor right into your kitchen. This copycat recipe delivers the rich, comforting experience you crave, made accessible for home cooks.

Why This Recipe Works

What truly sets this Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni apart is the thoughtful approach to its foundational flavors. Instead of relying on butter-flavored oil, many home cooks find that using a blend of real olive oil and butter creates a superior, more authentic depth. Paired with expertly caramelized onions, this recipe builds a savory base that elevates the entire dish, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

What to Expect

Prepare for a hearty, deeply satisfying pasta dish that's rich in flavor and comforting in every bite. You'll savor the tender pieces of grilled chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the sweet, complex notes from the caramelized onions, all enveloped in a luxuriant heavy cream sauce. While this dish is incredibly flavorful, its substantial ingredients mean each serving is quite hearty, delivering a rich and satisfying dining experience. With only 35 minutes total time, it’s an ideal choice for a weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours.

Customization & Variations

While the original recipe calls for butter-flavored oil, you'll find that using a combination of olive oil and butter as the fat base lends a richer, more nuanced flavor to your sauce. This simple swap significantly enhances the dish's overall quality. You can also ensure your grilled chicken is perfectly seasoned before adding it to the creamy rigatoni.

Serving & Context

Carmela's Chicken Rigatoni is a robust and fulfilling meal perfect for family dinners or when you're entertaining friends. Serve it as a stand-alone main course, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to balance its richness, and enjoy a taste of Italian-American comfort right at home.

Frequently Asked Questions