Name: Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 diced chicken breasts, 1-inch pieces (about 1 ½ pounds); 10 ounces penne pasta (uncooked); 2 cups heavy cream; 2 ½ cups chicken broth; 2 cups chopped spinach; 2 (8-ounce) jars sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed full of flavor—meet the Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. This recipe is a perfect weeknight winner: simple to throw together, yet so indulgent and satisfying, it feels like a little Italian escape right from your own oven.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy baked pasta. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta cooked al dente with a yellow-tan color, the middle layer is creamy sauce with white and light brown tones that coats the pasta evenly, and the top layer includes visible pieces of cooked chicken, wilted green spinach leaves, and sun-dried tomatoes adding bright red and green colors. The edges of the dish have some sauce marks, and there is a wooden spoon resting on the right side, partially mixing the pasta. The background is a white marbled surface with a bit of fresh spinach on the upper right and a striped cloth on the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe countless times for friends, family, and just because I deserve a treat. What makes it special is the way simple ingredients come together in a creamy sauce with bold sundried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection.

One-dish meal: It’s all in one pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your company.
Family-friendly: This dish pleases picky eaters and foodies alike, with familiar flavors and comforting textures.
Creamy yet hearty: The combination of heavy cream, cheese, and broth makes the sauce rich without feeling too heavy.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the veggies, cheese, or seasonings to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

A close-up of a white baking dish full of creamy pasta with several layers visible: at the bottom, short pasta in pale yellow, topped by a thick layer of melted white cheese sauce mixed with bright green spinach leaves and chunks of light beige chicken pieces, and scattered with bits of sun-dried tomatoes in deep red-orange. A wooden spoon lifts a scoop of the pasta mix, showing the creamy texture dripping slightly with the cheese sauce, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture, combining creamy, savory, and fresh elements that keep the dish exciting and satisfying.

Flat lay of diced raw chicken breast pieces, uncooked dry penne pasta, fresh chopped spinach leaves, bright red chopped sundried tomatoes, whole uncracked brown eggs, small white bowl of heavy cream, small white bowl of chicken broth, small white bowl filled with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, small white bowl with garlic powder, small white bowl with onion powder, small white bowl of coarse salt, small white bowl of black peppercorns, small white bowl of shredded parmesan cheese, small white bowl of grated mozzarella cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Diced into bite-sized pieces, they cook evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Penne pasta: Its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness, balancing the acidity from tomatoes.
Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce saucy enough for the pasta to cook right in the dish.
Chopped spinach: Gives a lovely burst of green and a subtle earthy taste while upping the nutrition.
Sundried tomatoes: Their intense, tangy sweetness is a game-changer in this bake.
Italian seasoning: A blend that infuses classic Mediterranean flavors effortlessly.
Garlic and onion powder: These spices layer on extra depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all those flavors.
Parmesan cheese: For that savory, nutty punch – perfect for melting into the sauce and topping the dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Brings creamy meltiness and a gorgeous golden crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe my own by switching up the greens or cheeses depending on what’s in the fridge. You can totally make it your own, too—don’t be shy about getting creative here!

Variation: I often swap spinach for kale or arugula when I want a peppery bite, and sometimes add roasted red peppers for extra sweetness and color.
Dairy-free tweak: Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version that still tastes indulgent.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey on top after baking for a fun kick.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and toss in mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix It All Up

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Then, toss in the diced chicken, uncooked penne pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped spinach, drained sundried tomatoes, and all your seasonings. Stir everything until it’s well combined—this makes sure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 2: Bake Covered and Stir

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. After that, pull it out and give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is coated and cooking evenly. Return it uncovered for 20 minutes to really let those flavors meld.

Step 3: Cheese It Up and Finish Baking

Sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella evenly on top, then bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles to a gorgeous golden crust. Don’t forget to stir the cheese through before resting the casserole for a few minutes to let it thicken and cool slightly before serving.

Top Tip

Having made this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe many times, I've learned a few tricks to get it just right every time. These tips will make your baking experience smoother and your final dish even better.

Uniform chicken pieces: Cutting the chicken into consistent 1-inch cubes helps it cook evenly alongside the pasta without drying out.
Stir halfway through baking: Don’t forget to stir after the first 30 minutes—this prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures everything absorbs that luscious sauce.
Cheese topping timing: Adding the cheese only at the end keeps the bake from becoming too oily or heavy.
Avoid soggy pasta: Using chicken broth plus heavy cream as the liquid balances cooking the pasta right in the casserole without overdoing it.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love finishing this bake with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley—adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I throw on a few crushed red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette and some warm, crusty garlic bread. The freshness and crunch on the side balance out the creamy pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake in individual ramekins and topped each with a basil leaf and a drizzle of good olive oil for a charming, restaurant-style presentation. It’s also great layered in a clear baking dish so everyone can admire those colorful ingredients while it bakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftover pasta bake to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is a breeze and it tastes just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well—just portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking, freeze, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. You can also freeze leftovers after baking for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this bake?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli will work just as well. Just keep the pasta quantity roughly the same for best results.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover tightly, and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since the bake will be cold from the fridge.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter sauce, but the texture might be less rich and creamy. Adding a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt can help maintain creaminess.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in this pasta bake?

Cutting the chicken into small, even pieces and mixing it well with the sauce ingredients helps keep it moist during baking. Also, not overbaking and stirring midway ensures everything cooks evenly without drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients—love, cream, cheese, and Italian flavors—can create magic in the kitchen. I hope you give it a try and make it a favorite in your household, just like I have.