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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until aromatic and golden.
- Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a rich, creamy sauce that gently simmers and thickens.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, and cooked chicken into the sauce, allowing ingredients to meld and spinach to slightly wilt.
- Gently fold the drained pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden with crispy edges.
- 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