Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta made with rigatoni, spinach, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. A lighter Tuscan chicken pasta with rich flavor and easy swaps.
Equipment
- Stock pot for pasta
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast diced
- 2 tbsp reserved oil from jar of sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 8.5 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil with herbs I use the julienne cut, reserve 2 tbsp oil
- 16-oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 small onion or shallot diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2¼ cup whole milk
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach leaves
- 1½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- sea salt to top, optional. I love the extra salt on top.
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium and add 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil. Add diced chicken and cook until done. Remove from pan.
- Lightly wipe the pan. Add onion/shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Pour in heavy cream and whole milk. Add chicken, spinach, and ¾ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add drained rigatoni and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top and a generous two or three pinches of sea salt.
- Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
🧾 Nutritional Information — Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Per Serving)
Values are estimated and based on 6 servings using the lighter version with whole milk + ¾ cup cream.| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~565 kcal |
| Protein | ~34 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~54 g |
| Fat | ~24 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~12 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sugar | ~7 g |
| Sodium | ~610 mg |
| Cholesterol | ~115 mg |
- Nutrition will vary based on pasta brand, cheese amount, and exact cream/milk ratio
- Using the richer version or extra cheese will also increase totals
- Add-ins like bacon, sea salt or extra cheese will also increase totals