Rustic Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Triumph
Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering Tuscan chicken pasta bake that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.
Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors dancing across your plate.
Rich herbs and sun-dried tomatoes infuse each bite with Mediterranean charm.
Parmesan cheese melts into golden layers, promising a decadent experience that feels both familiar and exciting.
Home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.
Nutritious and satisfying, this dish turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.
Dive in and savor every delectable forkful of pure deliciousness.
What Makes Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake a Crowd-Pleaser
Key Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients:Dairy and Cream Components:Flavor Enhancers:Vegetable Components:Additional Components:Step-by-Step Guide to Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup
Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection
Boil your pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic magic and turns slightly golden.
Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk the liquids together to create a smooth base.
Add these ingredients:Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
Step 5: Combine All Components
Fold in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh spinach leaves.
Stir everything until each ingredient is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Deliciousness
Slide the dish into the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and starts bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Serve hot, straight from the dish, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Tuscan-inspired pasta bake.
Expert Tips to Elevate Your Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake
Creative Twists for Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake
Perfect Pairings to Enjoy with Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake
Rustic Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty pasta bake, perfect for cozy weekend dinners that spark conversation and create memories.
Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – an excellent solution for busy families needing delicious, quick meals.
Gourmet Potluck Star: Bring this impressive Tuscan chicken pasta to gatherings, guaranteed to wow friends with its rich flavors and beautiful golden cheese topping.
Creative Leftover Transformation: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to make this recipe even easier and reduce food waste while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home.
How to Keep Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Fresh Longer
FAQs
The sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese create the rich, authentic Tuscan taste that makes this dish delicious and distinctive.
Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle that will hold the creamy sauce well and provide a similar texture.
Absolutely! This pasta bake reheats well and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals ahead of time for the week.
You can increase the protein content by adding more chicken, using rotisserie chicken, or incorporating additional protein sources like white beans or extra cheese.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Delectable tuscan chicken pasta bake merges Mediterranean flavors with creamy comfort. Rich layers of herb-infused chicken, tender pasta, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, developing rich flavors.
- Fold in cooked pasta, diced chicken, and fresh spinach, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Carefully transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the top, creating a melty golden surface.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Customize pasta type to suit dietary needs, like whole wheat or gluten-free options for health-conscious eaters.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent soggy texture.
- Drain sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery.
- Experiment with protein alternatives like shredded rotisserie chicken or plant-based chicken for quick meal prep variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jack Monroe
Founder & Recipe Innovator
Expertise
Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food
Education
Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education
Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.