A One-Pan Pasta Packed With Flavor, Herbs, and Comfort
Looking for a pasta dish that hits every craving? This Creamy Chicken Pesto Rigatoni is everything—savory, herby, rich, and totally satisfying. Juicy pan-seared chicken, tender rigatoni, and a velvety pesto cream sauce come together with sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach for the perfect weeknight dinner or cozy Sunday meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp marjoram
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp dill weed
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
Add-Ins:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, season diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, marjoram, oregano, dill weed, basil, and paprika.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and mix until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil, then sear the chicken until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Add basil pesto, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in grated Parmigiano Reggiano and simmer on low until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach, letting the spinach wilt slightly.
- Fold in cooked rigatoni pasta, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
Pro Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Swap rigatoni with penne or farfalle if preferred.
- For extra richness, add a spoonful of pesto on top before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmigiano for the ultimate finish.
- Serve with garlic bread or a light arugula salad for a complete meal.
About the Creator
Dana is all about turning everyday meals into moments of comfort and joy. As a home cook and busy mom, she brings warmth and flavor to practical dishes that anyone can recreate.
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Dana Kelley | theworkinghousemom