The Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta bake represents a comforting culinary symphony that revamps ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

This delectable dish blends rich, velvety textures with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Hearty chicken, tender pasta, and luxurious sauce create a harmonious combination that feels like a warm embrace.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the recipe balances complex taste profiles with simple preparation techniques.

Seasonal herbs and carefully selected ingredients elevate this classic comfort food beyond standard weeknight dinners.

The magical alchemy of melting cheese, succulent proteins, and perfectly cooked pasta promises a dining experience that satisfies deep hunger and emotional cravings.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible meal.

What Makes Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake So Crave-Worthy

• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a symphony of tastes where sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan, and tender chicken create a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired melody that dances across your palate.
• Effortless Elegance: Craft a restaurant-quality dish with simple techniques that transform basic ingredients into a stunning meal, perfect for impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food Reimagined: Experience the ultimate blend of creamy pasta, juicy chicken, and wilted spinach that delivers a satisfying one-pan meal combining classic comfort with gourmet sophistication.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delectable pasta bake in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious, wholesome dinner without complicated preparation.

Ingredients List for Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Fillets: Tender protein that forms the base of the dish, choose fresh, boneless chicken breasts for best results.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well, select high-quality durum wheat pasta for authentic texture.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Rich, creamy base that creates luxurious sauce texture, use full-fat varieties for maximum flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the sauce, freshly grated provides best melting and flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, tangy flavor that brings Mediterranean character to the dish.
• Spinach: Fresh green element that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the pasta bake.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich cooking fat and depth of flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that enhances overall dish flavor, fresh minced garlic recommended.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance other ingredients.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds traditional Mediterranean herb notes to the chicken.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta

Crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a pot of salted water and cook penne pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully done, about 4-5 minutes per side. Slice and reserve.

Step 3: Create the Dreamy Sauce

• Remaining butter
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Minced garlic

Sauté until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and milk, scraping up those delicious browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce transforms into a velvety blend. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Toss fresh spinach into the sauce and stir until it wilts. Reunite the cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce, ensuring every morsel is luxuriously coated.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Shower with extra Parmesan cheese. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Tuscan-inspired feast!

Tips for Baking Tuscan Pasta Perfectly

• Select Perfect Pasta: Choose penne or another short pasta with ridges to help sauce cling better, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Master Chicken Seasoning: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to create a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Slowly add Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Prevent Spinach Wateriness: Add fresh spinach last and wilt quickly to maintain vibrant color and prevent excess liquid from diluting the sauce.
• Cheese Topping Technique: Grate fresh Parmesan directly before sprinkling on top for maximum melting and a rich, authentic flavor profile.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Chicken Bake

• Refrigeration: Seal cooled pasta bake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before covering to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta bake in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added moisture and flavor. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Microwave Option: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

What Goes Well with Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, herb-infused garlic bread provides the perfect side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add textural contrast.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy chicken dish.
• Match with Robust Red: For red wine lovers, a light-bodied pinot noir can beautifully enhance the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken flavors without overpowering the meal.

Pasta Bake Variations for Tuscan Chicken Lovers

• Mediterranean Seafood Bliss: Swap chicken with a mix of shrimp, calamari, and white fish, using similar seasonings and creating a coastal-inspired pasta bake.
• Vegetarian Garden Harvest: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, adding extra herbs and using vegetable broth for a lighter sauce base.
• Spicy Southwestern Fusion: Transform the dish by incorporating chorizo, black beans, roasted corn, and adding chipotle powder for a bold, smoky flavor profile that brings Mexican-inspired excitement to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Comfort: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the creamy sauce and protein while reducing carbohydrate content for a healthier alternative.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with rich, cheesy goodness. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken meld together in a luxurious sauce that will make you crave seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken fillets
• 16 ounces (454 grams) penne pasta
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh baby spinach

Sauce and Dairy Components:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons butter

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienne-cut, packed in oil, drained and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Pat the chicken fillets dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning blend.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and unsalted butter, swirling to create an even coating.
5. Carefully place the seasoned chicken fillets into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized pieces.
6. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
7. Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
8. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
9. Add fresh spinach leaves to the sauce, stirring until they wilt and incorporate seamlessly.
10. Fold the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
11. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle an additional layer of Parmesan cheese across the top.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become deliciously bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Prep in Advance: Chop garlic, slice chicken, and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent becoming mushy during the baking stage, ensuring a delightful texture.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged options.
• Cream Caution: Stir sauce constantly to prevent burning and achieve a silky, smooth consistency that coats pasta beautifully.
• Spinach Tip: Add spinach last to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking, preserving its fresh nutrients and delicate texture.
• Serving Suggestion: Let dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg