Carmela's Chicken Rigitoni (Macaroni Grill Favorite)

Ingredients:

·              2 tablespoons butter

·              2 tablespoons olive oil

·              4 grilled chopped chicken breasts

·              salt and pepper

·              1 teaspoon sugar

·              1 large onion sliced

·              8 oz of sliced mushrooms

·              2 garlic cloves chopped

·              ½ cup white wine

·              20 ounces heavy cream (or half/half for a lighter version)

·              1 box (24 ounces) rigatoni pasta (pre-cooked)

·              1 ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1.    Grill Chicken to get the best flavor.  Pound the chicken to make ½ inch thick filets and season (best chicken seasoning that I have found is Montreal chicken seasoning).  Grill 15-20 minutes so that the filets are cooked and remain moist.

2.    The next step is to make the caramelized onions.  Melt butter and add olive oil to a large frying pan. Toss in sliced onions, salt and pepper. Add in 1 teaspoon of sugar and cook on med-low until the onions are soft and brown.

3.    Finish the sauce by adding chopped garlic and mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes over med heat.

4.    Add wine and simmer the flavors for 3-4 minutes. 

5.    Next add the cream and bring sauce to just below a boil.  Add 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese and cook until the cheese is melted.

6.    Add pasta and sliced grilled chicken, stir until all pasta and chicken are covered with sauce. 

7.    Before you serve, top with parmesan cheese and enjoy! 

posted by Belinda