Description
Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Tuscan flavors, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, penne pasta, sundried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich cream sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 diced chicken breasts, 1-inch pieces (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 10 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 2 (8-ounce) jars sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add diced chicken breasts, uncooked penne pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped spinach, drained and chopped sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Stir and Continue Baking: Remove the dish from the oven, stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated with the liquid, then cover again and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Final Bake: Remove the foil, stir the casserole, then evenly sprinkle shredded parmesan and grated mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, stir the melted cheese into the dish, and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for better texture and flavor.
- Sundried tomatoes packed in oil can be used to add extra richness; drain less if you prefer a stronger tomato flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 667 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1256 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 166 mg
