Description
This Creamy Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni brings the comforting flavors of stuffed chicken breast into an easy, weeknight-friendly pasta dish. Tender rigatoni captures a rich, creamy sauce with seasoned chicken, wilted spinach, and a blend of cheeses, offering a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using wine, add it and let it bubble for 2 minutes.
- Add rigatoni to the pan. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add softened cream cheese, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Stir until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Stir in the fresh spinach and watch it wilt. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and half the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve topped with fresh basil, parsley, and extra Parmesan. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier melting.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- This dish reheats well; add a splash of cream or broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 650 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 5g
- Sodium: Approx. 800mg
- Fat: Approx. 35g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 45g
- Fiber: Approx. 3g
- Protein: Approx. 35g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 150mg