Chicken Riggies

Method

1. 1

   If using chicken breasts, holding your knife parallel to a cutting board and working one at a time, slice lengthwise through 1½ lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts (2–3), starting on a long side, to make 4–6 evenly thick cutlets (they should be ⅓" thick or less). Generously season on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. If using store-bought cutlets, generously season 1½ lb. chicken cutlets on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

2. 2

   Heat 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high. Working in batches if needed, cook cutlets, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through, 12–16 minutes. Transfer to a large plate.

3. 3

   Cook 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil and 1 lb. mini sweet peppers, sliced into ½"-thick rings, in same skillet, stirring occasionally, until peppers are tender and blistered in spots, 5–7 minutes. (Add 1 Tbsp. water to deglaze bottom of pan if browned bits are beginning to burn.) Transfer sweet peppers to plate with chicken.

4. 4

   Reduce heat to medium and cook 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and remaining 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, stirring often and adding water as needed to prevent burning, until onion is softened and starting to brown at the edges, 8–10 minutes. Add 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped, 1 cup drained sliced hot cherry peppers, and ¼ cup double-concentrated tomato paste; cook, stirring often, until paste begins to stick to bottom of pan and turns a deep maroon shade, 6–8 minutes. Add ¾ cup heavy cream and stir just to combine.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, cook 12 oz. rigatoni or other tubular pasta in a large pot of boiling heavily salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain, reserving 2 cups pasta cooking liquid.

6. 6

   Add pasta, ½ cup pasta cooking liquid 3 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1½ cups), and ¼ cup hot cherry pepper brine to sauce and cook, stirring and adding more pasta cooking liquid a little at a time as needed, until cheese is melted and a glossy sauce forms; season with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Slice reserved chicken on a slight diagonal into 2"-long strips and add to sauce along with reserved sweet peppers; stir to coat. Divide chicken riggies among shallow bowls and top with basil leaves if desired.

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