Here’s a delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a family gathering!
Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add Chicken and Spinach:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if chilled.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil on top before baking for a crispy topping.