Are you ready to indulge in a comforting, creamy dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of rich flavors and hearty ingredients, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Imagine tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, all baked to perfection under a golden layer of melted mozzarella cheese. With just 50 minutes of your time, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Ensure no pink remains in the center of the chicken cubes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the cream slightly thickens.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese, creating an even layer for melting.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and begins to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional Italian seasoning if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Be sure to cook the penne pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the final bake.
- Season Your Chicken: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken! A good amount of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: If you want an extra cheesy dish, consider adding a blend of different cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for a more complex flavor profile.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for about 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce set and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Italian seasoning on top before serving can elevate the dish's presentation and taste.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 577kcal
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 109mg
