A riggie is a pasta dish that originated in Utica, New York. It is a baked pasta casserole made with chicken, tomatoes, hot or sweet peppers, onions, cheese, and rigatoni pasta. Riggie is a local specialty and a source of pride for Uticans. It is one of the most well-known dishes associated with the city.
Origin and History
The origins of riggie can be traced back to the early 20th century in Utica. The city had a large population of Italian immigrants who brought their cuisine and culture. The exact details of who invented riggie are unclear, but it seems to have originated from an Italian housewife experimenting with locally available ingredients.
The name “riggie” comes from the pasta used – rigatoni. The dish was popularized in the 1940s-1950s by restaurants in the city’s Bleecker Street neighborhood, which had a high concentration of Italian families. Riggie started appearing on menus at local restaurants, church fundraisers, and family gatherings.
Over time, riggie became firmly established as a Utica specialty. By the 1970s, the dish was well known across Central New York. Locals proudly embraced it as their own unique gastronomic contribution. Today, no trip to Utica is complete without sampling some riggies. The dish has also started to gain some national recognition after being featured on cooking shows.
Ingredients
The classic riggie recipe has the following ingredients:
– Rigatoni pasta
– Chicken breast, cut into cubes
– Onions, chopped
– Green bell peppers, chopped
– Hot cherry peppers, chopped
– Garlic, minced
– Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
– Chicken broth
– Olive oil or butter
– Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
– Oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper
Some variations may also include:
– Hot or sweet sausage instead of chicken
– Red bell peppers
– Mushrooms
– Ricotta or mozzarella cheese
The rigatoni pasta gives the dish its signature ridged tube shape and ability to hold sauce. Onions, peppers, and garlic provide aromatics. The tomato sauce or tomatoes infuse flavor. The chicken or sausage offer protein. Broth and olive oil add moisture. Grated hard cheese and seasonings deliver a final punch of flavor.
Preparation
Riggie preparation involves multiple steps:
Cooking the Chicken
If using chicken, start by sautéing cubed chicken breast in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through. Remove and set aside. If using sausage, cook in oil and slice into coins.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same pan, sauté onions until translucent. Then add the peppers and garlic and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes.
Simmering the Sauce
Pour in canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer.
Boiling and Baking Pasta
In a pot, cook rigatoni 2 minutes less than box instructions. Drain pasta and mix with sauce, cooked chicken or sausage, and half of the grated cheese.
Transfer to a casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbling.
Finish with Herbs and Spices
Remove from oven and mix in chopped parsley or basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Variations
There are many variations on the classic riggie recipe:
White Riggie
Instead of tomato sauce, white riggie is made with a creamy Alfredo sauce as the base.
Vegetarian or Vegan Riggie
Omit the chicken or sausage and use additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or plant-based meat substitutes.
Seafood Riggie
Use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken or sausage.
Spicy Riggie
Add extra hot peppers and seasonings for a fiery kick.
Ricotta Riggie
Mix in ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
Buffalo Chicken Riggie
Toss cubed chicken in Buffalo wing sauce before baking.
How to Eat Riggie
Riggie can be enjoyed in several ways:
As a Main Course
Riggie is hearty enough to be eaten as a main course. For a complete meal, serve it with a salad and garlic bread.
As an Appetizer
For a starter or shareable, serve riggie in small portions topped with Parmesan and peppers. Provide forks or toothpicks.
As a Side Dish
Riggie also pairs well as a side for Italian-American classics like chicken parmesan, sausages, and meatballs.
As Leftovers
Like many casseroles, riggie tastes great the next day. Leftover riggie can be reheated for an easy weeknight dinner.
Where to Eat Riggie in Utica
There are many restaurants in Utica that serve quality riggie. Here are some top spots:
Carmine’s Café
A casual Italian restaurant on Genesee Street dishing up classic riggie.
Utica Bread
Specializing in fresh bakery items and sandwiches, but their riggie is a local favorite.
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
Upscale steakhouse that puts a unique spin on riggie as an appetizer.
Matt’s Utica Club
Pub fare and beers including traditional riggies made from family recipes.
Chesterfield Restaurant
Old-school Italian-American restaurant open since 1947 serving riggie with sweet sausage.
How to Order Riggie in Utica
Here are some tips for ordering riggie at restaurants in Utica:
– Ask if the riggie is a house specialty. If so, it’s likely a vetted recipe.
– Inquire about the protein. Popular options are chicken, sausage, shrimp, or vegetables.
– Ask if they make red or white riggie. White has a cream-based sauce.
– Check that rigatoni pasta is used vs. another noodle like penne or ziti.
– Request extra peppers and Parmesan if you want to spice and garnish it yourself.
– Ask about daily specials. Some restaurants feature unique riggies-of-the-day.
– Let the server know if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. They may be able to adapt the dish.
– Tell the server you want an authentic Utica-style riggie. They’ll know that means a baked casserole, not just pasta and sauce.
How to Make Riggie at Home
You can also try making riggie yourself at home with this recipe:
Ingredients:
| 1 pound rigatoni pasta |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil |
| 1 pound chicken breast, cubed |
| 1 small onion, chopped |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced |
| 1 green bell pepper, chopped |
| 1 red bell pepper, chopped |
| 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional) |
| 2 cups marinara sauce |
| 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan |
| 1⁄4 cup grated Romano |
| Fresh basil, chopped |
Steps:
1. Cook rigatoni 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, sauté chicken in olive oil 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
5. Add cooked rigatoni and chicken to sauce. Mix well.
6. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with grated cheeses.
7. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Finish with basil.
Conclusion
Riggie is a cherished local specialty in Utica, NY. The baked pasta casserole contains rigatoni, chicken or sausage, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cheese. It was invented by Italian immigrants and popularized by restaurants in Utica’s Bleecker Street neighborhood. While the exact origins are unknown, riggie has become an iconic part of the city’s cultural heritage and cuisine. Locals proudly order and enjoy quality riggies at popular restaurants in the area. Foodies nationwide are also beginning to seek out this distinctive regional dish. With a little knowledge and practice, anyone can make an authentic Utica riggie right at home. This hearty, rustic casserole will provide the classic flavors of Italy with an upstate New York twist.