Description
Looking for an easy dinner idea that’s packed with flavor? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a quick dinner recipe that combines juicy chicken, al dente rigatoni, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for family meals, date nights, or comfort food cravings, this dish delivers both elegance and heartiness. Whether you’re after a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, it’s one of the best creamy pasta food ideas to keep in rotation.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
8 oz rigatoni pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.
2. Boil a pot of salted water. Cook rigatoni until al dente, then drain. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
3. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Slice chicken and return to skillet. Add cooked rigatoni and toss everything together. Add pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
7. Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after searing the chicken.
If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, skip Step 1 and add it at the end.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx.)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, dinner ideas, easy recipe, Tuscan pasta