Description
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy casserole that brings together tender diced chicken breasts, penne pasta, spinach, sundried tomatoes, and a rich blend of cream and chicken broth. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping, it’s a perfect satisfying meal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 drained and chopped sundried tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the diced chicken breasts, penne pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped spinach, chopped sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial cooking allows the pasta to start softening and the chicken to cook through.
- Stir and continue baking: Remove the dish from the oven, stir the mixture well to coat the pasta completely in the liquid, then return it to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil again and stir gently. Sprinkle shredded parmesan and grated mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
- Finish and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven, stir the melted cheese into the pasta bake for a creamy texture, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach or baby spinach for best flavor and nutrition.
- For a richer taste, substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine.
- If you prefer less salty dishes, reduce the added salt accordingly since the cheeses add saltiness.
- Feel free to swap penne pasta with rigatoni or fusilli for varied texture.
- 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
