Luscious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering tuscan chicken pasta bake that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a dish that speaks pure deliciousness.

Rich, velvety sauce coats every single noodle with incredible flavor and warmth.

Herbs and spices dance together, infusing each bite with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.

Parmesan cheese melts into golden, crispy perfection across the top, adding a delectable crunch.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet impressive meal that comes together in under an hour.

Grab your skillet and get ready to become the dinner hero of the evening.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 687 kcal

Servings: 7

What to Buy for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken Fillets: Tender, juicy base that adds hearty flavor and protein power to the dish, choose fresh, high-quality cuts with minimal fat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, sharp cheese that provides rich umami and helps create creamy texture, select authentic Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano for best results.

• Penne Pasta: Classic shape that captures sauce perfectly, select bronze-cut pasta for superior sauce adhesion.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Silky foundation creating luxurious, velvety sauce, use full-fat dairy for maximum richness.
• Butter: Adds deep, golden richness and helps develop complex flavors, choose unsalted for better seasoning control.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy bursts that elevate overall dish complexity, choose soft, plump varieties packed in olive oil.
• Garlic: Aromatic foundation that provides depth, select fresh cloves for most intense flavor profile.
• Spinach: Vibrant green element adding nutritional boost and fresh brightness, pick crisp, deeply colored leaves.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend providing authentic Mediterranean character, opt for high-quality dried herb mix.
• Olive Oil: Traditional cooking fat adding subtle fruity undertones, select extra virgin for superior taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and intensify other ingredients, use freshly ground pepper for maximum impact.

Tools You’ll Appreciate for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the creamy sauce with perfect heat control.
• Baking Dish: Needed to transfer and bake the pasta mixture, ensuring even heating and golden top.
• Cooking Pot: Required for boiling and cooking the penne pasta to al dente perfection.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Knife: Used for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients like garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Colander: Helps drain the pasta quickly and efficiently after cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of seasonings and ingredients.

How to Prepare Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Oven Warm-Up

Get your kitchen cozy by heating the oven to a toasty 375°F. This helps create that perfect golden finish on your dish.

• Pasta Foundation

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook pasta until it’s soft but still has a slight bite. Drain and set aside, ready for the magic to happen.

• Chicken Magic

Season chicken with fragrant herbs and spices. Sizzle in a pan with olive oil until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown. Slice into tempting morsels.

• Sauce Symphony

In the same pan, dance garlic and sun-dried tomatoes together. Pour in cream and milk, letting the flavors mingle. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese to create a luxurious, silky sauce.

• Green Touch

Gently fold fresh spinach into the sauce, watching it wilt and add vibrant color. Mix in pasta and chicken, coating everything in the creamy goodness.

• Bake and Shine

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Shower with extra Parmesan cheese. Slide into the oven and bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Smart Tricks for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a different protein profile and exciting flavor combinations.
• Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the dish.
• Enhance heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or chopped jalapeños for those who enjoy a zesty kick in their pasta bake.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency without compromising taste.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like fontina, mozzarella, or pecorino romano to develop unique flavor profiles and create a personalized culinary experience.

Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta's richness.
• Add Crusty Bread: Complement the dish with warm garlic bread or rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and added flavor complexity.
• Wine Pairing Option: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to enhance the creamy Tuscan flavors.

Make-Ahead Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigerate Smart: Keep the pasta bake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap the dish securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Enjoy frozen meals within 1-2 months for best quality, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Silky Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty tuscan chicken pasta bake celebrates Mediterranean flavors with rich, comforting ingredients. Cheese-laden layers and herb-infused sauce create a satisfying meal for family gatherings and weekend dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken fillets
• 16 oz (454 g) penne pasta
• 5 oz (142 g) fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienne-cut, packed in oil, drained and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a spacious baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Pasta Perfection: Submerge penne in salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Drain and reserve.
3. Chicken Preparation: Dry chicken fillets and lavish with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning blend.
4. Searing Stage: Activate a skillet over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil and butter. Sear chicken until golden and internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Slice into bite-sized morsels.
5. Flavor Foundation: In the same skillet, reduce heat and introduce sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Cascade heavy cream and milk, deglazing pan’s surface. Whisk Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a velvety consistency.
6. Herbal Infusion: Integrate spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt gracefully into the creamy sauce.
7. Combine and Coat: Marry sliced chicken and pasta with the luxurious sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
8. Baking Finale: Transfer to prepared baking dish, crown with additional Parmesan. Bake for 18-22 minutes until surface achieves golden-brown brilliance and edges bubble enticingly.
9. Resting Period: Extract from oven and allow 5 minutes of repose, permitting flavors to harmonize and sauce to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a delightful texture when baked.
• Chicken Searing Secret: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese and continuously stir to create a silky, lump-free sauce that coats every ingredient.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking, which helps the sauce thicken and allows flavors to develop and intensify.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 687
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 150mg