Description
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, easy dinner idea that delivers rich flavor in every bite. Featuring tender chicken, al dente rigatoni, spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a garlic parmesan cream sauce, it’s the ultimate quick dinner recipe. Whether you’re looking for cozy food ideas, a healthyish indulgence, or a quick meal for family and guests, this one-pan recipe is your perfect solution. It also works great for lunch leftovers and is one of the best creamy pasta dinner ideas to keep on rotation.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste or chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then add cherry tomatoes. Cook until blistered, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomato paste (if using), then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, add spinach, and stir until wilted. Let simmer 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Add pasta and toss until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
Don’t overcook the chicken—remove once golden and cooked through.
Add pasta water gradually to control the sauce thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, tuscan chicken, easy dinner, pasta recipe, one pan meal, comfort food, chicken pasta