If you are looking for a dinner that feels a little special but is still easy enough for a busy weeknight, this creamy Dijon chicken pasta is one of the best recipes to keep on repeat. It has tender chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a silky Dijon cream sauce that tastes rich, tangy, and full of flavor without being complicated.
This is the kind of meal that works just as well for a simple family dinner as it does for serving guests. The Dijon mustard adds so much depth to the sauce, giving it a savory, slightly zippy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of the spinach. Everything comes together quickly in one pan after the pasta is cooked, which makes this recipe practical as well as delicious.
If you love creamy chicken pasta recipes that taste restaurant-worthy but are easy to make at home, this creamy Dijon chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is one you will come back to again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta
This Dijon chicken pasta checks all the right boxes for an easy dinner recipe.
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Creamy, flavorful sauce with bold Dijon flavor
- A great way to use simple pantry and fridge staples
- Balanced with savory chicken, tangy mustard, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach
- Easy enough for weeknights, but good enough for company
- Reheats well for leftovers the next day
It is cozy, flavorful, and just a little different from your usual creamy chicken pasta, which is exactly what makes it so good.
What Makes Dijon Chicken Pasta So Good
Dijon mustard is the ingredient that makes this pasta stand out. It gives the sauce a deeper flavor than a basic cream sauce and adds a subtle tang that keeps everything from tasting too heavy. When it is combined with tender chicken, shallots, garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, the result is a creamy pasta dinner with layers of flavor in every bite.
The sauce coats the pasta beautifully, and because the ingredients are simple, each one really gets a chance to shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is what you need to make this creamy chicken pasta recipe:
- boneless skinless chicken tenders, cut into cubes
- rigatoni pasta
- fresh spinach
- chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- shallots
- garlic
- half and half
- Dijon mustard
- Italian dressing
- salt and pepper
- olive oil for cooking
These ingredients come together to make a creamy Dijon sauce that is savory, tangy, and perfect for coating pasta.
Ingredient Notes
Chicken
Chicken tenders cook quickly and stay tender, making them perfect for a fast pasta dinner. You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs if that is what you have on hand.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon adds the signature flavor to this recipe. It gives the sauce depth and a smooth tangy finish that works beautifully with cream.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated flavor and a slightly sweet, rich bite that balances the mustard and cream.
Spinach
Fresh spinach wilts right into the sauce and adds color and freshness without making the recipe complicated.
Half and Half
Half and half keeps the sauce creamy while still feeling lighter than a heavy cream-based pasta.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken well with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
3. Add the aromatics
Stir in the chopped shallots and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Build the sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, half and half, Dijon mustard, and Italian dressing. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Toss with pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Dijon sauce.
6. Serve
Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed, then serve warm.
Tips for the Best Dijon Chicken Pasta
For the best flavor and texture, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Salt your pasta water well so the pasta itself has flavor
- Do not overcook the chicken or it can dry out
- Add the spinach at the end so it stays bright and tender
- Keep the heat low when adding the dairy so the sauce stays smooth
- Toss the pasta into the sauce while it is still warm so it absorbs more flavor
Easy Variations
This creamy Dijon chicken pasta recipe is easy to adapt depending on what you have in the kitchen.
Use a different pasta
Rigatoni is great because the sauce clings to it well, but penne, ziti, or fettuccine also work.
Add Parmesan
For an even richer sauce, stir in freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.
Use chicken thighs
Boneless skinless chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay especially juicy.
Add a little heat
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is delicious if you want a little kick.
Make it extra creamy
Add a splash more half and half if you prefer a looser, silkier sauce.
What to Serve with Dijon Chicken Pasta
This creamy chicken pasta pairs well with simple sides that balance the richness of the sauce. A crisp salad, homemade bread, or a vegetable side all work beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Dijon chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of half and half, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps bring back the creamy texture.
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Creamy Dijon Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Dijon chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is an easy weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, rigatoni, shallots, garlic, and a rich Dijon cream sauce.
Ingredients
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1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders, cut into cubes
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1 box rigatoni pasta
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2 cups fresh spinach
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2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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2 shallots, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, chopped
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1/4 cup half and half
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons Italian dressing
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Instructions
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Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
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Season the cubed chicken well with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet and cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
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Add the chopped shallots and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often and being careful not to let the garlic burn.
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Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, half and half, Dijon mustard, and Italian dressing. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce is combined.
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Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
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Serve warm.
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Notes
Do not overcook the chicken so it stays tender.
Keep the heat low once the half and half is added so the sauce stays smooth.
Add a splash of extra half and half if you want a creamier sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan can be added at the end for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, DINNER | PASTA, Main Dish
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American, Pasta
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 750mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great option and add extra flavor.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best served fresh. If you do make it ahead, reheat it gently with a splash of milk or half and half to refresh the sauce.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half and half?
Absolutely. Heavy cream will make the sauce richer and thicker.
What pasta shape works best?
Rigatoni, penne, and fettuccine are all great choices for this creamy Dijon chicken pasta.
More Chicken Dishes to Try
Final Thoughts
This creamy Dijon chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is one of those easy dinners that feels a little elevated without requiring much extra work. The sauce is creamy and flavorful, the chicken stays tender, and the combination of Dijon, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes makes it taste like something you would order at a cozy restaurant.
If you need an easy chicken pasta dinner that is fast, comforting, and full of flavor, this recipe is a delicious one to save.
