Creamy Chicken and Pancetta Rigatoni

A rich, weeknight-worthy pasta, this creamy tomato rigatoni brings together shredded roast chicken and salty pancetta in a sauce that comes together in under 40 minutes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
-
150g pancetta, diced
-
1 brown onion, diced
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 tsp dried oregano
-
¾ cup tomato paste
-
600ml thickened cream
-
500g rigatoni
-
300g cooked roast chicken, shredded
-
1 cup basil leaves
-
½ cup pecorino, finely grated, plus extra to serve
Method:
-
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil. Cook the rigatoni according to packet instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain well.
-
While the water is coming to the boil, heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes until the fat has rendered and the pancetta is starting to crisp.
-
Add the onion, garlic and oregano and cook for a further 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
-
Add the tomato paste and stir through for 1 minute. Pour in the cream and bring to the boil.
-
Add the chicken and basil leaves. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
-
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve topped with pecorino.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Pancetta Rigatoni
-
Special
-
Special
-
Special
-
Special