Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

There's something magical about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish straight from the oven, and this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake delivers all that and more. Bursting with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, this dish combines rustic Italian flavors with ultimate comfort food vibes.

I first made this dish for a dinner party, hoping to impress my guests with something that felt fancy but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. The result? Plates wiped clean and multiple requests for the recipe! Now, it’s a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

Get ready to add this recipe to your regular rotation. The Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is not just a meal – it's an experience. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bubbling, golden-brown casserole that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

This dish is also highly versatile. You can make it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding picky eaters, this pasta bake is your go-to solution.

Plus, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, garlicky cream sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a perfectly balanced dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

Finally, cleanup is a breeze! Since this is a one-pan wonder (after boiling the pasta), you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish's rich and hearty flavor profile.

• Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They’re easy to cook and shred, providing the perfect texture for the bake. Chicken thighs are also a great option if you want something a little more tender.
• Pasta: Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Their ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Cook the pasta until al dente to avoid it becoming too soft in the oven.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce. Be sure to drain the oil well before adding them to the dish.
• Cheeses: A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan is key for that gooey, golden topping. Parmesan also adds a nutty, salty kick that elevates the overall flavor.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness to balance the richness of the sauce. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out any excess water before adding it.
• Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth: Together, these form the base of the luxurious sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

For equipment, you'll need a large skillet for preparing the sauce, a big pot for boiling pasta, and a 9x13-inch baking dish for assembling and baking the casserole.

How to Make This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

Making this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is as satisfying as eating it. Here’s how to bring this irresistible dish to life.

1. Cook the Pasta
   Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, drizzle it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook them until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a luscious, cheesy finish.
4. Assemble the Bake
   Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until evenly coated, then transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with Cheese and Bake
   Sprinkle the dish generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness, and enjoy every bite!

Storage Options

One of the best things about this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is how well it stores. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven.
• Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the bake but don’t add the cheese topping. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheese, and bake as directed.
• Meal Prep: Portion the pasta bake into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. These can be stored in the fridge or freezer, depending on when you plan to eat them.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs:

• Protein Swap: Swap the chicken for cooked Italian sausage, shrimp, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Alternatives: Try swapping the mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Veggie Add-Ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts to amp up the vegetable content.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a hint of heat.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe – it’s hard to go wrong! Whether you follow it to the letter or put your own spin on it, the result is bound to be delicious.

There you have it – the ultimate Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. From its creamy sauce to its cheesy topping, every bite is pure comfort. So grab your baking dish and get ready to create a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Print