Go Back
+ servings
easy chicken pasta 448315206

Easy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

An easy chicken pasta with rigatoni, juicy chicken, spinach, and a creamy Tuscan sun-dried tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 815

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more for the pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided, preferably Napa Valley olive oil
  • 3 cups fresh basil leaves loosely packed, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1 generous pinch flaky sea salt for serving

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente, about 11 minutes. Scoop out 1/2 to 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. Season with the oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon.
  4. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil to the same skillet. When shimmering, add the chopped basil and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.
  5. Add the tomato paste and stir to break it up. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom, and stir until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, spinach, 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Toss well, adding more pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately in bowls, topped with extra grated Parmesan, basil, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 815kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 38gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

Make ahead: Cook the chicken and sauce up to 1 day in advance. Reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken broth.
Freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce can separate when thawed.
Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to sauté the aromatics for extra flavor.
Reserve extra pasta water before draining: it helps loosen the sauce and makes it silky.
Swap rigatoni for penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta you have on hand.
Serve with a crisp green salad and some crusty sourdough bread for a complete meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!