The Coziest Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful Tuscan chicken pasta bake will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of italy.

Aromatic herbs and creamy textures promise a culinary adventure unlike any other.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each forkful, creating a symphony of comfort and zest.

Layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich sauce come together in one spectacular dish.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that feels like a warm embrace from a cherished friend.

Cheese melts luxuriously, binding ingredients into a harmonious masterpiece that sparks conversation and creates memories.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that everyone requests again and again.

Discover the Charm of Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This Tuscan chicken pasta bake delivers rich, creamy flavors that satisfy everyone from picky kids to hungry adults, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, this recipe transforms complex Italian-inspired cuisine into an approachable, stress-free meal that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and calcium from cheeses, this dish offers a balanced meal that sneaks vegetables into a deliciously cheesy package perfect for families seeking wholesome nutrition.
• Quick Cleanup Champion: By using a single baking dish and skillet, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess, allowing more time to enjoy the meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tuscan Pasta Bake

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the hearty base of the pasta bake.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich and creamy cheeses that add depth and melty texture.

• Pasta: Classic base that captures and holds the delicious sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional Mediterranean herb flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding subtle flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste profile.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition and Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's overall taste.

How to Create Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven 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 the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance around until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Create the Dreamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and thicken, creating a rich and creamy base.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach
• Cooked chicken

Mix everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the pasta into the skillet and gently toss until every noodle is coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the saucy pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that promises deliciousness.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

Dive in and enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta bake!

Tips for a Flavorful Tuscan Pasta Bake

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, evenly cooked meat that absorbs sauce flavors perfectly.
• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy results.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance herb aromatics and release deeper taste profiles.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional benefits while maintaining similar cooking characteristics.
• Cover with aluminum foil during last 5-10 minutes of baking if cheese browns too quickly, ensuring melted texture without scorching.

Variations to Elevate Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and dairy-free mozzarella cheese for those with lactose intolerance.

Serving Ideas for Tuscan Pasta Bake

• Italian Feast Night: Gather friends and family around the table, serving this pasta bake with crisp garlic bread and a light arugula salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair the dish with a chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the Tuscan chicken pasta.
• Fresh Green Boost: Top each serving with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before eating to add a bright, herbal note and enhance the dish's visual appeal and taste profile.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining pasta bake in airtight containers for quick lunches or reheat for a delicious next-day meal that tastes just as amazing as the first serving.

Storage Tips for Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal completely to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place pasta in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Stop when steam rises and pasta reaches 165F internal temperature.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works best with short pasta like penne or rotini, you can substitute with other shapes like farfalle or shells. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the sauce.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like white beans, tofu, or chickpeas. You can also add extra vegetables like roasted zucchini or artichoke hearts to boost the protein and flavor profile.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Tuscan chicken pasta bake combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and hearty pasta. Cheese-topped layers deliver rich Mediterranean flavors that comfort and satisfy hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Cheese:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and 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.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain thoroughly.
3. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until aromatic and golden.
4. Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a rich, creamy sauce that gently simmers and thickens.
5. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, and cooked chicken into the sauce, allowing ingredients to meld and spinach to slightly wilt.
6. Gently fold the drained pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring even coating and distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, covering the entire surface.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden with crispy edges.
10. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps sauce set and flavors intensify before serving.

Notes

• Customize protein choices by substituting chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian preferences.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and broth quantities, ensuring a creamy yet not overly runny consistency.
• Enhance texture by toasting breadcrumbs with herbs and sprinkling over the top before baking for a crispy golden crust.
• Prepare ahead by assembling the dish completely and refrigerating for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 547 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 472 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg