Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Whipping up a mouthwatering Tuscan chicken pasta bake transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary adventures.

Creamy sauces and tender chicken create magic in one delectable dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with remarkable depth and complexity.

Layers of melted cheese blend seamlessly with hearty pasta and succulent protein.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Weeknight cooking becomes an exciting exploration of taste and texture.

Join me in crafting this irresistible comfort classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake its signature flavor?

Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning combine to create the rich, authentic Tuscan-inspired taste that makes this dish so delicious.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle that hold sauce well and create a similar texture in the bake.

• Is this recipe considered a complete meal?

Absolutely! The dish includes protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and vegetables like spinach, making it a balanced and satisfying one-pan meal that covers multiple food groups.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Everyone Loves

• Customize with Ease: Mix and match protein options like shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a personalized twist on this comforting dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, this pasta bake guarantees smiles around the dinner table for family and guests.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, vegetables, and pasta in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and making meal preparation stress-free.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores beautifully in the refrigerator and reheats wonderfully, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

Ingredients For Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A classic Italian noodle that serves as the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the Tuscan-inspired bake.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a golden, melty topping for the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Rich cooking oil that helps sauté garlic and create a smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, concentrated tomatoes that add a tangy and sweet complexity.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that brings color and nutritional value to the pasta bake.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid ingredients that create a rich and creamy sauce base.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How To Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside, letting it wait for its flavor-packed adventure.

Step 3: Create the Aromatic Base

Grab a skillet and pour in some olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance and sizzle until it fills the kitchen with its incredible aroma.

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Let everything simmer and mingle for about 3 minutes, creating a rich, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavor Profile

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, developing a luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Masterpiece

Combine the cooked pasta, tender chicken, and your incredible sauce in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible crispy top.

Step 7: Serve and Delight

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, and prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips For Moist Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Select high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful results.
• Drain pasta slightly before al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Add red pepper flakes for extra heat and depth if you enjoy spicier meals.

Alternative Versions Of Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Mediterranean Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish for a seafood-focused version with similar Tuscan-style flavors.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or white beans, maintaining the creamy sauce and pasta texture.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate option that keeps the rich, creamy essence.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Swap dairy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a lactose-free version with similar creamy consistency.

Pairings For Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Comfort Family Feast: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish brings everyone together around the table with its rich, creamy flavors and hearty ingredients.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Ideal for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches that reheat beautifully.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing pasta bake to gatherings, where its cheesy, vibrant appearance and delicious taste will impress friends and fellow food lovers.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to enhance the meal's Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Proper Storage For Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Refrigerate leftover Tuscan chicken pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Store in shallow containers to help cool the dish quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze the pasta bake for longer storage, keeping it intact for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Transfer the meal to the refrigerator the night before reheating to allow safe thawing.
• Reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) for best results, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water over the pasta before reheating to restore moisture.
• Microwave as a quick alternative, stirring every 30 seconds and checking temperature until heated through.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta bake blends Mediterranean flavors with comforting Italian ingredients. Rich sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 12 cup (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare pasta in boiling water until tender yet firm, then thoroughly drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet, allowing ingredients to meld and simmer for approximately 3 minutes.
5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to thicken and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Gently fold cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer the pasta into the prepared baking dish, pour the creamy chicken and sauce mixture over the top, and spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese across the entire surface of the dish.
9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and golden-brown cheese crust.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for more texture and flavor.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and broth quantities, ensuring a creamy but not overly runny consistency that coats pasta perfectly.
• Prep ahead by assembling the dish completely and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg