Hearty Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: Rustic Italian Comfort

Nestled in my culinary memory, this tuscan chicken pasta bake carries the warmth of italian countryside kitchens.

Families gather around steaming dishes that speak of comfort and connection.

Aromatic herbs whisper stories of tradition while melted cheese creates golden landscapes across perfectly cooked noodles.

Robust flavors dance between tender chicken pieces and creamy sauce, inviting hearty appetites to the table.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully layered ingredient, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake: What Makes It So Satisfying

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal prep time and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Cheesy Comfort Delight: Loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, creating an irresistibly creamy texture that kids and adults will adore.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplifies cooking process by transitioning seamlessly from stovetop to oven, reducing dishes and cleanup effort.
• Protein-Packed Meal: Combines tender shredded chicken with nutritious spinach, delivering a balanced and filling dinner option that keeps everyone satisfied.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredient Guide

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta that holds sauce well, perfect for baked dishes.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent pasta from sticking and adds subtle flavor.

• Chicken, Cooked, Shredded or Cubed: Tender protein that adds substance to the dish.
• Spinach, Fresh: Light, nutritious green that wilts beautifully in creamy sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor with a chewy, tangy texture.

• Heavy Cream: Rich base that creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: Melts smoothly, providing stretchy, gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese, Grated: Adds sharp, salty depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic, Minced: Aromatic ingredient that provides intense, savory undertone.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.

Directions for Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook penne in salted water until it reaches that dreamy al dente texture.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sizzle Aromatic Garlic

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Drop in minced garlic and let it dance until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Italian seasoning.

Season with salt and pepper.

Let the mixture shimmer gently.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Stir until they transform into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Mix Flavor Explosion

• Cooked pasta
• Shredded chicken
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach

Stir until everything mingles perfectly.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Shower the top with extra mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then serve up this mouthwatering masterpiece.

How to Bake Tuscan Chicken Pasta With Just the Right Texture

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture when baking, ensuring a perfectly tender bite.
• Stir cheeses slowly over low heat to create a smooth, creamy sauce without breaking or becoming grainy.
• Replace chicken with turkey, tofu, or white beans for a versatile vegetarian or alternative protein option.
• Add fresh basil or parsley after baking to brighten flavors and introduce a fresh, aromatic element.
• Prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Store Tuscan Pasta Bake And Reheat Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta bake fresh and delicious.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Warm the entire dish in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap the cooled pasta bake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 2 months for a quick future meal.

What Fits Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Elevate Creamy Complexity: Pair this rich Tuscan chicken pasta bake with a crisp Pinot Grigio that cuts through the heavy cream and balances the cheese's intensity.
• Herbal Wine Harmony: Select a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with herbal notes that complement the Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a refreshing counterpoint.
• Salad Sidekick: Serve a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add zesty freshness and help cleanse the palate between creamy pasta bites.
• Fresh Bread Companion: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake with Saucy and Cheesy Additions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular penne pasta with gluten-free penne made from rice or corn. Use gluten-free Italian seasoning and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken substitute. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or artichoke hearts for more protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Increase protein content with additional chicken or add grilled shrimp for a lighter meal.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option. Shred the chicken and mix it directly into the pasta sauce for a quick and delicious meal.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this Tuscan chicken pasta bake is not spicy. It has a creamy, herb-infused flavor from the Italian seasoning and cheeses, making it mild and family-friendly.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cheese, add more spinach or vegetables, and opt for low-fat cream to make the dish more nutritious without compromising taste.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pasta bake in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake” delivers Italian countryside comfort with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Rich layers of herbs, cheese, and perfectly seasoned ingredients promise a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Elevate the oven temperature to 375°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for this creamy Tuscan-inspired pasta bake.
2. Prepare the penne by boiling in generously salted water until it reaches a tender al dente consistency, then carefully drain and reserve.
3. Infuse a large skillet with olive oil, gently sautéing minced garlic until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen.
4. Pour in velvety heavy cream, introducing a blend of Italian seasoning, complemented by a delicate balance of salt and pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer softly.
5. Gradually incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until they melt into a luxurious, smooth sauce.
6. Fold in the perfectly cooked pasta, transforming it with tender shredded chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach leaves, ensuring every ingredient is lovingly coated.
7. Transition the magnificent mixture into a thoroughly greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, crowning the top with an additional generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
8. Position in the preheated oven, allowing the dish to bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns a gorgeous golden brown and begins to bubble enticingly.
9. Grant the pasta bake a brief moment of rest, letting the flavors settle for 5 minutes before presenting this sumptuous culinary creation.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Control creaminess by adjusting heavy cream quantity, using half-and-half or milk for lighter versions.
• Maximize flavor intensity by roasting garlic beforehand or adding red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cheese and limiting added salt during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg