Description
Looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is your new go-to! Loaded with tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all smothered in a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce—this recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a standout dish for guests, it fits the bill. This easy dinner recipe is full of bold, balanced flavors and great for anyone looking for rich, hearty dinner ideas or creamy pasta food ideas.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or sliced
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups baby spinach
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavor.
4. Stir in cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat through.
5. Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat, and simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Fold in baby spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Toss in drained pasta. If needed, add pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce.
Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s the key to silky sauce texture.
If using raw chicken, cook it fully in the skillet before starting the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, easy dinner, tuscan chicken, chicken pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight meals, dinner ideas, pasta dinner