Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy One-Pan Dinner

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a little rustic comfort to your dinner table?

There’s something wonderfully timeless about a pasta bake coming out of the oven, bubbling gently with a creamy sauce and filling the kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is inspired by the warm, generous spirit of Tuscan-style home cooking—where meals are meant to be shared, enjoyed slowly, and remembered fondly. 🍝🍗 Even on a busy weeknight, dishes like this remind us that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be special.

Tuscan-inspired cooking is all about balance: tender chicken, sun-kissed flavors, creamy textures, and hearty pasta that brings everything together. In this recipe, those elements come together in a single pan, making it both practical and deeply satisfying. The sauce is creamy without being heavy, the chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, and the pasta absorbs every bit of flavor as it bakes to perfection. ✨

This is the kind of meal that works for everyone—family dinners, casual gatherings, or even leftovers the next day that somehow taste even better. It respects tradition while fitting neatly into modern life, proving that good food doesn’t need fuss. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let this dish bring warmth and comfort to your table. 😊

Ingredients 🛒

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Baking and Finishing:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup fresh spinach or basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Pour in chicken broth and cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring to a low simmer.
6. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta and chopped spinach or basil. Toss everything together until well coated.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by a little extra Parmesan.
9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop generously and enjoy warm. 🍽️

Nutritional Information 🥗

This creamy Tuscan-style pasta bake is rich, filling, and satisfying. It offers a hearty serving of protein from the chicken, energy from the pasta, and comforting fats from the creamy sauce and cheeses. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, add extra spinach, or reduce the cheese slightly without losing flavor. 💛

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~480 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️