We’ve always been fans of Bertucci’s Rigatoni Broccoli and Chicken, a comforting Italian-American favorite that brings bold flavors to your table. This dish pairs tender chicken with crisp broccoli and hearty rigatoni in a savory sauce, making it an easy weeknight winner we can’t get enough of.
Drawing from the chain’s timeless recipe, we’re sharing our simplified version so you can whip up this crowd-pleaser at home. It’s nutritious, delicious, and perfect for family dinners that satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients
To bring our simplified version of Bertucci’s Rigatoni Broccoli and Chicken to life, we start with these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for clarity.
- Rigatoni pasta: 12 ounces (dry), cooked al dente for the hearty base of this Italian-American favorite.
- Boneless chicken breasts: 1 pound, cubed into 1-inch pieces for tender, quick-cooking protein.
- Fresh broccoli florets: 4 cups, chopped into bite-sized pieces to ensure they stay crisp and vibrant.
- Garlic cloves: 4 medium, minced for a bold, aromatic flavor that elevates the savory sauce.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin for sautéing and adding a rich Mediterranean touch.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup, low-sodium to keep the sauce balanced and flavorful without excess salt.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated for a nutty finish that ties in the dish’s comforting essence.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, for a subtle kick that enhances the overall spice profile.
- Salt and black pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste, for seasoning as we build layers of flavor.
Directions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients for Bertucci’s Rigatoni Broccoli and Chicken, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft this flavorful Italian-American favorite in your own kitchen.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, we prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together seamlessly. Start by cubing 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor. Next, chop 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets into uniform sizes to promote even cooking and a satisfying crunch. Mince 4 garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic essence and grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese fresh for that authentic, nutty taste. Measure out 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick. With these steps complete, our ingredients are prepped and ready to transform into a hearty dish.
Cook
We now move to the cooking phase where flavors truly come alive. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, releasing a savory aroma that fills the kitchen. In the same skillet, stir in the 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and developing a spicy undertone. Add the 4 cups of chopped broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they brighten to a vibrant green and retain a slight crispness for textural contrast. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquids to reduce slightly and create a glossy, flavorful sauce that coats the ingredients with a comforting warmth.
Assemble
Finally, we assemble the dish to bring all elements together in perfect harmony. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and immediately toss it with the cooked chicken and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy finish that enhances the tender chicken and crisp broccoli. Serve the completed Bertucci’s Rigatoni Broccoli and Chicken piping hot, with the hearty rigatoni absorbing the savory flavors for a satisfying, nutritious meal that highlights bold Italian-American tastes.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our take on Bertucci’s Rigatoni Broccoli and Chicken recipe, showing how simple tweaks bring authentic Italian-American flavors right to your kitchen.
It’s a go-to for busy nights, packing nutrition and taste into one satisfying dish that’ll become a family favorite.
Give it a try and make it your own—we’re confident you’ll enjoy the results as much as we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bertucci’s Rigatoni Broccoli and Chicken?
Bertucci’s Rigatoni Broccoli and Chicken is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and hearty rigatoni pasta in a savory sauce. It’s known for its bold flavors, making it a comforting, nutritious option for family weeknight dinners.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need 12 ounces of cooked rigatoni, 1 pound of cubed chicken breasts, 4 cups of chopped broccoli, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. These create a flavorful, hearty meal.
How do I prepare Bertucci’s Rigatoni Broccoli and Chicken?
Start by prepping ingredients: cube chicken, chop broccoli, mince garlic, and grate Parmesan. Sauté chicken until golden, add garlic, broccoli, and broth to make a sauce. Cook rigatoni separately, then combine everything with Parmesan for a delicious finish. Total time is about 30-40 minutes.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it’s nutritious with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from fresh broccoli, and whole grains from rigatoni. Using low-sodium broth and olive oil keeps it balanced, while Parmesan adds flavor without excess calories, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a twist, use whole wheat pasta instead of rigatoni, or substitute broccoli with spinach. Adjust seasonings to taste, but keep garlic and olive oil for the authentic flavor. This keeps the dish versatile and easy to adapt.
How long does it take to cook?
Preparation takes about 10-15 minutes, and cooking around 20 minutes, so the whole recipe can be ready in 30-40 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a homemade Italian-American meal quickly.
How many servings does this make?
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, based on the ingredient quantities. It’s ideal for a family dinner, with portions that can be adjusted for smaller or larger groups by scaling the ingredients accordingly.