Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dinner made with tender chicken, rigatoni, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and a silky cream sauce.
It comes together quickly and makes a delicious weeknight dinner that feels special enough for a weekend meal.
Recipe Overview
| Details | Information |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
| Cuisine | Italian-inspired |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
For the Pasta
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Rigatoni or tortiglioni | 400 g (14 oz) |
| Salt | For pasta water |
For the Chicken and Creamy Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Boneless chicken breasts, sliced | 500 g (1.1 lb) |
| Heavy cream | 250 ml (1 cup) |
| Sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced | 100 g (3.5 oz) |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 60 g (2 oz) |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Red pepper flakes | A pinch, optional |
You can also use some of the flavorful oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes instead of olive oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, turning and stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken can brown properly.
3. Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken.
Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan.
Stir everything together and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, until it becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
If using red pepper flakes, add them at this stage for a gentle spicy kick.
4. Add the Rigatoni
Add the cooked rigatoni directly to the skillet.
Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are generously coated in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and toss again until you reach a smooth, silky consistency.
5. Finish and Serve
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
Serve immediately while hot.
For an extra finishing touch, sprinkle with additional Parmesan and a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken rigatoni is packed with rich Italian-inspired flavors and comes together without complicated techniques.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a delicious sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Tender pieces of chicken make the pasta hearty and satisfying enough for a complete family dinner.
The rigatoni’s ridges and hollow centers also hold onto the creamy sauce, giving you plenty of flavor in every bite.
Best Tips
Cook the rigatoni until just al dente because it will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Let the chicken develop a golden-brown surface before stirring it too much. This helps create better flavor and texture.
Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor if desired.
Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer rather than boiling it vigorously to help maintain a smooth texture.
Always reserve some pasta water. Its starch helps loosen the sauce and allows it to coat the pasta beautifully.
Add the Parmesan gradually and stir well so it melts smoothly into the cream sauce.
Best Ingredient Options
Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges hold the creamy sauce, but tortiglioni, penne, or ziti can also work well.
Chicken breast keeps the dish lean and tender, while boneless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor.
For the cheese, freshly grated Parmesan gives the smoothest and most flavorful result.
For extra flavor, choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in seasoned oil.
Fresh basil can also be added at the end for a bright, aromatic finish.
Recipe Variations
For a spicy version, add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder to the sauce.
For a vegetable-packed version, add fresh spinach, mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini.
For an even cheesier pasta, add a small amount of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan.
For a lighter sauce, replace part of the heavy cream with milk, although the finished sauce will be less rich and creamy.
For a fresh Mediterranean-style variation, add fresh basil and a small squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
What to Serve With
Serve this creamy chicken rigatoni with a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the remaining creamy tomato sauce.
Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus also make an excellent side dish.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The creamy chicken sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, cook the rigatoni shortly before serving and combine it with the reheated sauce.
If preparing the complete dish ahead of time, reserve some extra pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because the sauce contains cream and Parmesan, it may thicken considerably when chilled.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of milk, cream, or water and stir frequently until the sauce becomes creamy again.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
Freezing
Cream-based pasta dishes can change texture after freezing, so this recipe is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
If you choose to freeze it, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and use within 1–2 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcook the chicken, as thin strips can become dry if cooked for too long.
Don’t boil the cream sauce aggressively because high heat can affect its smooth texture.
Don’t forget to reserve pasta water before draining the rigatoni.
Don’t add all the Parmesan at once over very high heat. Gradual incorporation helps create a smoother sauce.
Don’t leave the finished pasta sitting uncovered for too long, because the creamy sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Nutrition Estimate
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 650–750 kcal |
| Protein | 40–45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 65–75 g |
| Fat | 28–35 g |
| Fiber | 4–6 g |
| Sodium | Varies by ingredients |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, tortiglioni, ziti, or another short pasta shape can be substituted for rigatoni.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and provide a slightly richer flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can, but the flavor will be different. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated sweet, tangy flavor that is an important part of this recipe.
How can I make the sauce thinner?
Add a small amount of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream while tossing the pasta until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, and roasted bell peppers all pair nicely with the creamy chicken and tomato sauce.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Rigatoni is an easy, satisfying pasta dinner packed with tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and a rich cream sauce.
The combination of creamy sauce and al dente rigatoni makes every bite comforting and flavorful. Serve it immediately with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and warm garlic bread for a restaurant-style dinner at home.