Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Nothing beats the comfort of a rich, hearty meal like this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness that practically melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite.

The image shows a white casserole dish filled with creamy baked pasta. The dish has two main layers: a pasta layer with yellow penne noodles spread evenly, mixed with pieces of light chicken and green spinach leaves, and a creamy sauce layer that is light beige with specks of herbs. Red sun-dried tomatoes are scattered through the pasta, adding color contrast. There is some melted cheese sprinkled on top, melting into the sauce. A dark wooden spoon is inside the casserole, lifting a portion of the pasta. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh spinach leaves on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve got to say, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe has quickly become one of my weeknight go-tos. It’s a no-fuss, all-in-one meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to put together. You’ll fall in love with the blend of flavors and how the pasta soaks up all that creamy, savory sauce.

One-pot convenience: Everything cooks right in the baking dish, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Loaded with flavor: Sundried tomatoes and Italian seasoning give this dish an authentic Tuscan flair that’s super satisfying.
Perfect texture balance: Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bubbly melted cheese make every bite just right.
Family-friendly: This bake pleases both kids and adults alike – it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

The image shows a close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a creamy pasta dish from a white baking dish. The pasta layers include light yellow cooked pasta shells mixed with wilted dark green spinach leaves and pieces of bright red sun-dried tomatoes, all covered in a thick, creamy white sauce with some melted cheese stretching from the pan to the spoon. The surface is shiny and smooth, with visible herbs and small bits of cooked chicken mixed in, making the dish look rich and hearty. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic is in the ingredients here. Think of it as a balance: creamy, savory, fresh, and a little tangy from those sundried tomatoes. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures that work beautifully together. When you shop, grab good quality chicken and sundried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of diced raw chicken breast pieces, uncooked penne pasta, fresh chopped spinach leaves, bright red chopped sundried tomatoes, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, a small white bowl of salt crystals, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, a small white bowl filled with shredded parmesan cheese, a small white bowl filled with grated mozzarella cheese, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: The star protein; diced small so it cooks evenly and stays juicy in the bake.
Penne pasta: Holds up well in baking and scoops up that luscious sauce perfectly.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously rich and smooth.
Chicken broth: Adds depth without overpowering, complementing the cream.
Spinach: Adds freshness and a nice pop of color – plus it wilts beautifully in the heat.
Sundried tomatoes: These add a tangy, umami punch that elevates the whole dish.
Italian seasoning: The herb blend that ties it all together with classic Tuscan flavors.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Pantry essentials that boost savory notes effortlessly.
Salt & pepper: To bring out & balance all the other flavors.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty – it melts into the sauce and works great as a topping too.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts soft and gooey, creating that irresistible bubbly crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore the original Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe, I encourage you to make it your own. I’ve tried swapping the penne with rigatoni or fusilli and it works great – just make sure you adjust the bake time accordingly. Feel free to add mushrooms or olives for even more layers of flavor.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and add a bit of flour to thicken, which lightens things up if you’re watching calories but still want that creamy texture.
Veggie boost: Adding mushrooms or roasted red peppers can give it an earthy or smoky twist you might crave.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a tasty kick without overwhelming the Tuscan flavors.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce and dairy-free cheese alternatives to suit your needs.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and assemble

Preheat your oven to 400°F and give your baking dish a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. Dice your chicken into 1-inch pieces so it cooks evenly. Then toss the chicken, uncooked penne, heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped spinach, drained and chopped sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper right into the dish. Stir everything gently to combine well—don’t worry if it looks liquidy; the pasta soaks up all that delicious moisture as it cooks.

Step 2: Initial bake

Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. This first bake ensures the chicken starts cooking and the pasta absorbs the liquid gradually. When the timer goes off, take the dish out carefully and give everything a good stir — this is key to coating the pasta evenly and preventing it from drying out.

Step 3: Final bake and add cheese

Return the dish to the oven (still covered) and bake for another 20 minutes. Now is the time to uncover it, stir again, and sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top. Pop it back in for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully. The result? A golden, bubbly crust that’s just irresistible.

Step 4: Rest and serve

Once out of the oven, give it one last gentle stir to mix the cheese into the creamy pasta. Let it rest a few minutes—the sauce thickens up a bit and the flavors come together just right. Then it’s time to dig in and enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness you just made!

Top Tip

After making this bake a dozen times, I’ve realized a few tricks really help nail the texture and flavor every time. These tips saved me from overcooked chicken and clumpy pasta more than once!

Even Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into consistent 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking without drying out.
Don’t Skip the Stir: Stirring midway through baking not only coats the pasta but prevents it from sticking and drying out.
Use Good Quality Sundried Tomatoes: I always use sundried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor and texture.
Cover, Then Uncover: Covering the dish traps steam for perfect pasta tenderness, but uncovering in the last 5 minutes lets the cheese melt and brown beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal lift. A light drizzle of good olive oil can also enhance the taste. If you’re a garlic fan, a quick roasted garlic clove on the side is a so-simple but tasty addition.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Sometimes, I serve it with garlic bread or simple crusty Italian bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this in single-serving ramekins for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to impress guests. Turning it into a layered casserole with alternating pasta and chicken layers is another fun twist I’ve tried that looks stunning on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to thicken as it cools, so adding a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating helps revive that creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers before baking the cheese on top (or you can bake fully, cool completely, then freeze). When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven, adding extra cheese on top to freshen it up.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Stir once or twice to distribute heat evenly. You can also zap single servings in the microwave on medium power, adding a tablespoon of milk if it looks dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds the sauce well, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini. Just adjust the baking time slightly if needed, depending on the pasta shape and size.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in this recipe?

Cutting the chicken into even pieces and baking it covered with foil helps keep it moist by steaming it in the sauce. Also, stirring halfway through cooking distributes heat evenly and keeps everything tender.

Can I make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and replace cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. The flavor might shift slightly, but it still turns out delicious and creamy.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, bake it as directed, just adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge. This makes a great meal prep option.

Final Thoughts

The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance of easy prep and rich, comforting flavors. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into something a little celebration-worthy. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.