If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting and packed with flavor, this Chicken Pasta Casserole is for you! With tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and a touch of spinach, it’s a wonderful one-pan meal.
This recipe prevents dry chicken by covering it while baking, offers a hearty one-dish meal, and adapts easily to various pasta types.
I often struggle with finding recipes that work for everyone in my family. Since my mother and siblings have gluten allergies, I need to make sure every dish is safe for them. This casserole is so easy to adapt, and it’s great for meal prepping, too.
This recipe comes together in a snap, taking just about 5 minutes to prep and only one hour to cook. That’s not too bad for a hearty, creamy meal. Plus, covering the chicken while baking prevents it from drying out, making sure it stays juicy.
If you like pasta bakes, you might enjoy this one too! If you want something different, you could check out this Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta Bake for more delicious options.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Creaminess , The heavy cream and cheese create a velvety texture that makes each bite comforting. You’ll love how it feels like a warm hug on a plate.
- Savory Flavors , With the Tuscan influence, you’ll enjoy a delicious mix of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous tastes. It’s satisfying but still manages to surprise your taste buds.
- Convenient One-Pan Meal , This dish is all cooked in one pan, making dinner prep simple and straightforward. It’s great for those busy nights when you want to avoid extra cleanup.
- Leftover Friendly , Store any extras in the fridge or freeze them for meal prep. It holds up well, so you can enjoy it later without losing flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: I love using fresh chicken for this bake; it gets tender and juicy in the oven. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before dicing.
- Penne pasta: The shape helps catch all that creamy sauce! If you’re in the mood for a swap, rigatoni or fusili would also work well.
- Heavy cream: This adds such a rich, creamy texture that’s hard to beat! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half could be a decent substitute.
- Chicken broth: It’s the base of your sauce and brings loads of flavor. Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine. Look for low-sodium if you can!
- Chopped spinach: It adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to the dish! Make sure to rinse it well to get rid of any grit before chopping.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If the casserole seems dry, covering it with foil during baking will help retain moisture and keep everything tender.
- When the cheese doesn’t melt well, slightly increasing the oven temperature during the last few minutes can help achieve that gooey texture.
- If you notice that your pasta remains undercooked while the chicken is perfectly done, stirring the mixture halfway through baking helps distribute the heat evenly.
- For a creamier sauce, letting the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- If you want to prevent overcooked chicken, check the internal temperature before baking completes. It should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this creamy chicken pasta alongside a fresh side salad. Pair it with garlic bread for a more filling meal.
- This pasta bake shines in meal prep or as comfort food at family dinners. You can also incorporate it into various pasta dishes or casseroles.
- Top with fresh basil before serving for added flavor. Consider a drizzle of olive oil for a simple finishing touch.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your creamy chicken pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors intact.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in individual portions using freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until heated through. This brings back the creamy texture.
Recipe Variations
- You can use sausage in place of chicken for a heartier dish that packs a punch of flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for an extra kick of flavor.
- Either gouda or cheddar cheese will work well, providing a delightful twist to the creamy sauce.
- If cooking for a smaller group, halve the chicken and pasta to 1 diced chicken breast and 5 ounces of penne.
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake
A creamy and flavorful Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake with chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
Equipment
- 9X13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts diced into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 2 (8-ounce) jars sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the diced chicken. Cook until the chicken is golden and fragrant, ensuring it is flavorful and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add your penne pasta. Cook until al dente, which will take just a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will soften more in the oven.
- In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well until mixed, creating a creamy base.
- Toss in the chopped spinach and drained sun-dried tomatoes into the creamy mixture. This will enhance the visual appeal with vibrant colors.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- Gently fold the browned chicken and cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated without breaking apart the pasta.
- Spread half of the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the remaining mixture over the layer of cheese and finish with another layer of cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil before placing it into the oven to retain moisture during baking.
- After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in individual portions.
Cover the casserole with foil while baking to retain moisture. If the casserole appears dry, maintaining the coverage will help. If the cheese is not melting well, increase the oven temperature slightly during the final bake.
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Serve with a fresh side salad or pair with garlic bread for a complete meal. Top with fresh basil for added flavor.
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