Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rigatoni

This Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rigatoni is somewhat of a new obsession for our family, so I thought I’d share it with you. This meal will definitely elevate your family’s suppertime experience.

I discovered this recipe not too long ago. I then modified it slightly to fit our family’s preferences, and it got all the raves from my family.  It is so decadent, creamy, and delicious that it made us feel as if we were sitting in a little Italian restaurant in Venice rather than in our dining room.  

And yet…it took me less than 25 minutes to throw together, making it perfectly suitable for my Simple Supper lineup. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does!   

This dish brings all the rich, comforting flavors of a Tuscan trattoria to your dinner table. It satisfies everyone without demanding hours of prep and cooking. It’s got tender chicken, fresh garlic, and a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, fragrant basil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to top it off.  

While rigatoni is our pasta of choice when I make this (those ridges are perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce!), you could easily substitute with penne, fettuccine, or rotini. If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, a teaspoon of dried basil rubbed between your fingers to wake up its flavor works just as well.

Ready to dive in and start cooking?

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe:

Ingredients: (Serves 5)

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken (breasts or tenderloins), chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz Rigatoni, or (pasta of choice) cooked according to package directions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 of 1 small lemon, squeezed
• 1 1/2 cups half and half
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed Italian seasoning
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (torn)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (can substitute 1 tsp crushed dried basil)
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prep Your Pasta: First things first, get your rigatoni cooking according to the package directions. While it’s simmering, you can start on the chicken and sauce.

Melt and Sauté: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the chopped chicken. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown and the juices run clear. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces.

Thicken It Up: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked chicken and stir well. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated. Let it cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step helps create the base for the sauce.

Aromatic Infusion: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to overcook the garlic.

Creamy Goodness: Pour in the half and half, then stir in the Italian seasoning, fresh (or dried) basil, and the sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce noticeably thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Wilt the Spinach: Turn the heat to low and add the baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, which should only take about 2 minutes.

Finish: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top, and stir well. This brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: You can either stir in the prepared Rigatoni or allow everyone to place their desired portion of pasta on their plate and spoon the sauce over the top.  

Tips for Success:

Pasta Al Dente: Cook your rigatoni to al dente – meaning it still has a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook a little when added to the hot sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomato Savvy: If your sun-dried tomatoes are very dry, you can rehydrate them in warm water for about 10 minutes before chopping to make them more tender. If you only have oil-packed, drain them very well.

Fresh is Best: While dried basil works, fresh basil truly elevates this dish. If you can, opt for fresh! The same goes for the minced garlic and lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare to fresh.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Rigatoni is more than just a meal…

This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites, elegant enough for guests, and quick enough for any crazy weeknight.

So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this recipe. It’s an invitation to bring the cozy, comforting flavors of Tuscany right into your kitchen, with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. Enjoy!

If you love this recipe as much as my family does, don’t forget to rate it and share it with others! If you want to try more of my Italian-Mediterranean inspired pasta recipes, check out my Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta With Tomatoes or my Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach.

A meal planning system that will pay for itself in:

Reduced grocery bills, saved mental energy, less food waste, fewer trips to the grocery store, more family time, better nutrition, and a more organized pantry.