Prepare to delight your family with a truly exquisite and deeply satisfying meal: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This culinary masterpiece features perfectly seasoned chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and your favorite pasta, all harmoniously combined with a handful of other accessible ingredients. The magic happens in a single pan, transforming simple components into the ultimate comforting chicken bake that promises rich, complex flavors with minimal fuss.
For more delightful pasta creations, explore our collection of creamy pasta bakes.
This remarkable chicken pasta bake isn’t just an easy dinner; it’s a hearty and flavor-packed experience designed to bring joy to every table. Crafted in your favorite oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, this creamy pasta dish simplifies cooking by keeping everything in one pan. The result? An incredibly flavorful meal and a remarkably easy cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Why It’s a Family Favorite
This recipe for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta transcends a mere meal; it’s a culinary solution for busy households seeking deliciousness without the complexity. Here’s why it consistently earns rave reviews and becomes a staple in so many kitchens:
- **Effortless Weeknight Dinner:** This creamy chicken pasta recipe is a true lifesaver for those hectic evenings. It’s designed to be quick, straightforward, and utterly satisfying, transforming a regular weeknight into a special dining experience.
- **The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder:** Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! This is a genuine one-pot recipe, meaning everything – from searing the chicken to baking the pasta – happens in a single pan. This significantly reduces cleanup time, allowing you more moments to savor your meal and spend with loved ones.
- **Pantry-Friendly Ingredients:** You’ll love how many of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. Utilizing readily available staples makes this dish accessible and convenient for spontaneous cooking.
- **Quicker with Cooked Chicken:** Short on time? This recipe is incredibly adaptable! If you have leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even pre-cooked chicken breast on hand, you can significantly cut down the preparation time, getting dinner on the table even faster.
- **A Symphony of Italian Flavors:** Indulge in the harmonious blend of classic Italian flavors – savory chicken, aromatic garlic, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Italian comfort food in an easy-to-prepare format.
Whether you choose to prepare it in advance and simply reheat, or quickly assemble it for a fresh meal, this dish is ready in under an hour. It’s also incredibly versatile; feel free to customize it with extra vegetables or different pasta shapes. Children particularly adore the cheesy pasta combined with tender chicken pieces, while adults will appreciate the sophisticated flavor profile and the sheer simplicity of its preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Crafting this delightful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta requires a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together to create its signature taste and texture. Below is an overview of what you’ll need. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the bottom of this page.
Ingredient Notes and Tips
- **Butter:** The foundation of flavor! Butter adds a rich, savory depth when searing the chicken, contributing to the overall comforting taste. For a lighter alternative, you can certainly substitute with an equal amount of high-quality olive oil.
- **Garlic Cloves:** Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential for imparting that irresistible aromatic essence to the dish. It layers in a pungent, sweet flavor that is characteristic of good Italian cooking and truly elevates the chicken bake.
- **Chicken Breast:** This recipe typically calls for raw, boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. However, for an incredible shortcut that significantly reduces cooking time, feel free to use cooked leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even pre-grilled chicken. Chicken thighs, cut into similar bite-sized pieces, also work beautifully for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- **Oregano:** A classic Italian herb that brings a bold, slightly peppery, and earthy note to the seasoning blend. If you don’t have oregano, explore our recommended Oregano substitutes to maintain the desired flavor profile.
- **Italian Seasoning:** A convenient blend of various Italian herbs (often including basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and sage). This seasoning provides a cohesive and well-rounded herbal base that perfectly complements both the chicken and the pasta sauce, making it a go-to for many Italian-inspired dishes.
- **Salt and Pepper:** Fundamental seasonings that are critical for enhancing and balancing all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust to your personal taste preferences, always tasting as you go.
- **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** These concentrated gems are a powerhouse of sweet, tangy, and intensely savory flavor. As they cook in the creamy sauce, they soften beautifully and release their rich essence, adding a Mediterranean twist that is central to the “Tuscan” profile. Opt for oil-packed varieties for the best texture and flavor.
- **Fresh Spinach:** An effortless and delicious way to incorporate healthy greens into your meal. Fresh baby spinach wilts down quickly into the creamy sauce, adding a mild, earthy flavor and a pop of vibrant color. Even picky eaters often enjoy it when it’s folded into a cheesy pasta!
- **Pasta:** While penne pasta was used in the original recipe, this dish is incredibly forgiving and welcomes your favorite pasta shape. Rigatoni, rotini, farfalle (bow-tie), or even a short fettuccine could be excellent choices. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pasta varieties can be used with equally delicious results.
- **Alfredo Sauce:** The heart of the creamy sauce! You can use a good quality store-bought Alfredo sauce in a jar for ultimate convenience, or, for a fresh and often lighter option, consider making your own. Our recipe for Alfredo Sauce without Cream offers a delicious, slightly healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
- **Boiling Water:** This is crucial for cooking the pasta directly in the oven, infusing it with flavor from the sauce. Using boiling water helps kickstart the cooking process immediately, ensuring the pasta is perfectly al dente when the dish is ready. For added richness, you could substitute part of the water with chicken broth.
- **Mozzarella Cheese:** No comforting pasta bake is complete without a generous layer of melted cheese! Mozzarella provides that desirable gooey, stretchy texture and a mild, creamy flavor that marries all the ingredients together into a truly indulgent experience.
Creative Variations for Your Tuscan Chicken Pasta
One of the joys of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your next meal:
- **Amp Up the Veggies:** This dish is a perfect canvas for adding more nutritional value and texture. Consider tossing in sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth, vibrant bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) for sweetness and crunch, tender broccoli florets for a healthy boost, or halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of fresh, juicy flavor. Add these along with the spinach to cook down into the sauce.
- **Explore Different Pasta Shapes:** Don’t limit yourself to penne! Experiment with various pasta options like wide, flat fettuccine for a more traditional Alfredo-like experience, hearty rigatoni to really hold onto the creamy sauce, or even smaller shapes like rotini or cavatappi, which are excellent for absorbing flavor. For those avoiding gluten, using gluten-free pasta works seamlessly.
- **Enhance with Cheese and Spice:** Before serving, elevate the flavor profile with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a sharper, saltier kick, or a dash of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a subtle warmth and a hint of spice. A mix of both can create a delightful contrast.
- **Boost the Creaminess and Richness:** For an even more decadent and luscious sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese (softened) along with the Alfredo sauce. It will melt seamlessly, adding an extra layer of velvety texture and cheesy goodness. Alternatively, substitute some of the boiling water with heavy cream or chicken broth for a deeper, more profound richness.
- **Protein Alternatives:** While chicken is classic, you could also experiment with other proteins. Cooked Italian sausage (sliced), shrimp, or even firm tofu cubes could offer delicious new dimensions to the dish.
Before You Begin: Essential Tools
Having the right kitchen tools makes preparing this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta a breeze. While you don’t need much, these items will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process:
- **Oven-Safe Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven:** This is the star of the show for our one-pan recipe. A sturdy, deep skillet (cast iron or other oven-safe material) or a Dutch oven allows you to sear the chicken on the stovetop and then transfer the entire dish directly to the oven for baking. Its depth is essential for containing all the pasta, sauce, and other ingredients.
- **Medium Mixing Bowl:** Used for seasoning the chicken thoroughly before it goes into the skillet, ensuring every piece is coated with flavor.
- **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurement of all ingredients, guaranteeing consistent results every time.
- **Cutting Board and Sharp Knife:** Essential for prepping the chicken and chopping garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and any additional vegetables.
- **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring ingredients in the hot skillet without scratching the surface.
Discover more of my favorite kitchen essentials by visiting my Amazon storefront, where I’ve curated a selection of products that streamline my cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Making this creamy pasta bake is surprisingly simple, designed for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs. The key is in the layering of flavors and the magic of one-pan cooking. Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through each step. Remember, the full, detailed instructions are always available in the recipe card below.
- **Prepare the Oven and Season the Chicken:** Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s ready to go when your pasta is assembled. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your cubed chicken pieces with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss vigorously to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base.
- **Sear the Chicken:** Place your large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the butter (or olive oil) and let it melt until shimmering. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Achieving a good sear adds depth of flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply warm it briefly in the butter.
- **Combine Remaining Ingredients (Except Mozzarella):** Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat on the stovetop. Now, add all the other ingredients into the skillet: the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, uncooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, and two cups of boiling water. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid and all components are well distributed.
- **Bake the Pasta:** Cover the skillet tightly with its lid or aluminum foil. Transfer the covered skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired al dente tenderness and has absorbed most of the liquid. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and pasta type, so check for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- **Melt the Mozzarella:** Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Uncover it and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta. Return the uncovered skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted, bubbly, and has achieved a beautiful golden-brown hue.
- **Garnish and Serve:** Once the cheese is melted to perfection, remove from the oven. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Achieving a consistently delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is easy with a few expert tips. These insights will help you maximize flavor and ensure a smooth cooking experience:
- **Leverage Leftovers:** This recipe is incredibly versatile and shines when using pre-cooked chicken. Whether it’s leftover grilled chicken, a rotisserie chicken from the store, or any cooked chicken you have on hand, incorporating it will drastically reduce your prep and cook time without compromising flavor. Simply warm it through when searing.
- **Customize Your Pasta:** Don’t hesitate to use any short pasta shape your family loves! Penne, fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle will all work well. Just ensure it’s a shape that can hold the creamy sauce nicely. Adjust baking time slightly if using a very thick or thin pasta.
- **Embrace Parmesan:** While mozzarella provides the gooey, bubbly top, serving with a bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side is a must for many. It offers a sharper, saltier kick that complements the rich creaminess beautifully. Encourage everyone to add it to their liking!
- **Sauce Matters:** For the creamiest, most flavorful result, I highly recommend using a homemade Alfredo sauce. It offers a freshness and depth of flavor that is hard to beat. However, if convenience is paramount, a good quality store-bought Alfredo sauce will certainly do the trick and still yield a fantastic meal.
- **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the chicken, work in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken browns properly. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that delicious golden crust.
- **Boiling Water is Key:** Starting with boiling water when you add the pasta to the skillet ensures the pasta begins cooking immediately in the oven. This helps achieve an al dente texture within the specified baking time and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or the chicken from overcooking while the pasta is still firm.
Your Questions Answered: FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
The beauty of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta lies in its versatility, making it easy to swap or add vegetables. Beyond spinach, this dish is fantastic with small broccoli florets, which add a tender-crisp texture and earthy flavor. Halved cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes contribute a burst of fresh, acidic sweetness that brightens the creamy sauce. Sliced sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) offer both color and a mild, sweet crunch. Earthy mushrooms, such as cremini or button, sauteed briefly before adding, integrate beautifully into the sauce. Small pieces of asparagus or even finely chopped kale could also be excellent additions for more greens.
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, you can still achieve a similar sweet-tangy and savory depth. Roasted red peppers, either from a jar (drained and chopped) or freshly roasted, offer a wonderfully sweet and smoky flavor that complements the dish well. Alternatively, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes, halved, which will burst and release their juices as they cook, providing a fresh tang. You could also try these homemade Roasted Tomatoes for an intense, savory tomato flavor.
Absolutely! This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta makes for an excellent make-ahead meal, perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the entire dish and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. For individual portions, reheat in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
To complete your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta meal, consider pairing it with sides that complement its rich and comforting flavors without overpowering them. Here are some delicious suggestions:
- **Crusty Italian Bread:** A must-have for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce. Options like this overnight focaccia or a classic baguette are perfect.
- **Garlic Bread:** The savory, aromatic notes of Air Fryer Garlic Bread pair beautifully with almost any pasta recipe, adding a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- **Fresh Green Salad:** To balance the richness of the pasta, a light and refreshing salad is ideal. A simple Mediterranean Arugula Salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad, will add freshness and a crisp contrast.
- **Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli:** Lightly roasted vegetables seasoned with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder provide a healthy and flavorful accompaniment that is simple to prepare.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Should you have any delectable leftovers of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, proper storage ensures you can enjoy them again later. Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, for larger quantities, reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has become too thick, to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the pasta to become mushy or the sauce to separate.
You’ll Also Like: Other Comforting Pasta Dishes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors and ease of this Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you’ll surely enjoy exploring these other hearty and delicious pasta recipes:
- Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini
- Pesto Chicken Lasagna
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
- Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta has quickly become a beloved reader favorite, cherished for its irresistible flavor and incredible ease of preparation. If you haven’t yet experienced this delightful one-pan meal, now is the perfect time to give it a try!
Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium bowl
- 1 Oven safe deep skillet
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup sun dried tomato drained and chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 8 oz penne pasta uncooked
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce 15oz
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
- Basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken, garlic, Italian seasonings, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.
Cook Chicken
- In a deep skillet that goes into the oven, melt butter on medium heat then add chicken and cook for 7-10 minutes until cooked all the way through.
- Turn heat off and add all the other ingredients except for the mozzarella cheese and mix well.
- Cover the pan and cook for 30 minutes in the oven or until pasta is cooked.
- Take it out of the oven and then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.