Description
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole combining tender diced chicken, penne pasta, spinach, sundried tomatoes, and a blend of Italian herbs baked to perfection. A comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for dinner that brings together rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced (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
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons 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 the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: Add diced chicken breasts, uncooked penne pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped spinach, drained sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the baking dish. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- First bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to begin cooking and the flavors to meld.
- Stir midway: Remove from oven and stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the pasta is coated in the liquid evenly.
- Continue baking: Cover again and bake for an additional 20 minutes to cook the pasta fully.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil, stir the casserole once more, then evenly sprinkle shredded parmesan and grated mozzarella cheese on top.
- Final bake and rest: Bake uncovered for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven, stir in the cheese, and let the dish rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking and enough space for the casserole to expand.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- You can add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to set.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well 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
