Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni was born on one of those evenings when I wanted comfort food that felt a little elevated yet still deeply familiar. Pasta nights have always been sacred in my home—something warm bubbling on the stove, laughter filling the kitchen, and that unmistakable sense of togetherness. This recipe captures all of that and more, blending creamy textures with hearty flavors in a way that feels indulgent while remaining welcoming.
I’m Lily Anne Bakehart, recipe developer and editor at DishWhirl, and like so many of my dishes, this Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni grew out of a desire to create something cozy without overcomplicating the process. I’ve always believed that food should feel like home—inviting, nourishing, and generous. Growing up, some of my favorite dinners were the ones where pasta met creamy sauces and simple proteins, turning everyday ingredients into something memorable.
In this dish, tender chicken breasts are filled with a rich spinach mixture and paired with rigatoni coated in a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for evenings when you want one dish that truly does it all. I tested this version repeatedly—adjusting seasoning, creaminess, and pasta balance—until it became the one my family now asks for again and again.
If you love meals that bring people to the table and keep them lingering, this Creamy Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni
Why This Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
- Ultimate comfort food: Creamy pasta and juicy stuffed chicken in one dish
- Balanced and filling: Protein-rich chicken paired with spinach and pasta
- Great for families: Familiar flavors everyone loves
- Restaurant-style at home: Looks impressive but uses simple steps
- Customizable: Easy to adapt for dietary needs
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day
Unlike plain chicken pasta dishes, stuffed chicken spinach rigatoni layers flavor in every component. The chicken isn’t just mixed in—it’s seasoned, stuffed, and cooked to stay juicy, making the entire dish feel intentional and indulgent.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni
Ingredients Overview
For the Stuffed Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning
For the Spinach Rigatoni
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Enhancing chicken flavor: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a splash of lemon juice before cooking.
- Sun-dried tomato substitutes: Roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
- Cream cheese alternatives: Ricotta, mascarpone, or a dairy-free cream cheese.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free rigatoni and ensure all dairy products are certified gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni
1. Prepare the Chicken
Slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Make the Creamy Spinach Filling
Mix cream cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, and cheese until smooth and well combined.
3. Stuff and Cook the Chicken
Fill each chicken breast with the spinach mixture. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until golden, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes.
4. Cook the Rigatoni
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
5. Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce
Melt butter with olive oil, add cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Stir until creamy. Add pasta water as needed for consistency.
6. Combine and Serve
Toss rigatoni in the sauce. Slice stuffed chicken and serve on top or alongside.
Chef Tip: Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep the filling intact.
Print
Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni is a creamy, comforting dinner featuring juicy stuffed chicken breasts served with rich spinach-coated rigatoni pasta.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning
For the Spinach Rigatoni
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Mix cream cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, and cheese until smooth and well combined.
Fill each chicken breast with the spinach mixture. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until golden, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes.
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Melt butter with olive oil, add cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Stir until creamy. Add pasta water as needed for consistency.
Toss rigatoni in the sauce. Slice stuffed chicken and serve on top or alongside.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Flavor Boosting Tips for the Best Stuffed Chicken
Enhancing the flavor of chicken doesn’t require complicated ingredients. Seasoning generously, using aromatics like garlic and onion, and finishing with fresh herbs all make a noticeable difference. A quick sear before baking locks in moisture and adds depth.
Creamy Pasta Without Compromise
This dish proves you can enjoy creamy stuffed chicken with spinach rigatoni even if you have dietary needs. Gluten-free pasta works seamlessly, and the sauce adapts well to dairy alternatives. The key is tasting as you go and adjusting seasoning and texture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use to enhance the flavor of the chicken?
Season well, sear before baking, and add herbs or citrus for brightness.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work well.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni adapts very well to a gluten-free version. Simply swap the regular rigatoni for a certified gluten-free alternative and double-check that your cream, cheese, and seasonings are clearly labeled gluten-free. The flavor and texture remain just as creamy and satisfying.
Can I substitute the cream cheese filling?
Absolutely. Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni works beautifully with other creamy fillings. Ricotta adds a lighter, fluffier texture, while mascarpone creates a richer, silkier finish without overpowering the dish.
Conclusion
Stuffed Chicken Spinach Rigatoni is the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table—rich, creamy, and deeply comforting without being complicated. It reflects everything I believe about home cooking: simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and food made with love.
I hope this recipe finds a place in your kitchen and becomes part of your own food story. If you try it, share it, save it, and most of all—enjoy every cozy bite
