Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of Kosher salt. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente, about 11 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with dried oregano, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate or bowl.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil) to the same skillet. Stir in the chopped basil and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the tomato paste and stir to dissolve and incorporate. Pour in the white wine and let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the heavy cream, then stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, baby spinach, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine, adding more pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve in warm bowls, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Nutrition
Notes
For a lighter sauce, swap half the heavy cream for chicken broth. Any short pasta like penne or fusilli works in place of rigatoni. If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, save the oil from the jar for extra flavor when sautéing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth. This dish is not suitable for freezing because the cream sauce can separate. You can cook the chicken and sauce up to 1 day ahead; simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving. Garnish each bowl with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.
