Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
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 sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped; 2 teaspoons 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

There's something incredibly comforting about a hearty pasta bake that brings together rich flavors and melty cheese in every bite. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want an easy, satisfying meal that feels a little fancy but takes minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!

A white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with pieces of white chicken, strips of dark green spinach, and red sun-dried tomatoes, all coated in a light orange creamy sauce speckled with herbs and spices. The pasta looks soft and slightly saucy, layered evenly with shredded cheese sprinkled on top. A dark wooden spoon rests inside the dish, partially scooping the pasta from one corner. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a few fresh spinach leaves visible nearby. 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

What makes this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe stand out is how effortlessly it brings together rich, tangy, and cheesy flavors with wholesome ingredients. I love sharing this one because it’s such a crowd-pleaser—always making everyone at the table happy!

One-Pot Convenience: You mix everything in one baking dish, saving on cleanup and making weeknight dinners less stressful.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: Combining heavy cream and chicken broth creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta and chicken.
Fresh and Flavorful Add-ins: The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of freshness and vibrant color that make the dish feel special.
Cheesy Topping: The parmesan and mozzarella melt into a bubbly, golden blanket that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy pasta showing three main layers: a bottom layer of cooked pasta tubes in pale yellow tones, a middle layer of dark green wilted spinach and bright red sun-dried tomatoes, and a top layer of thick melted cheese sauce that is creamy white with some golden hints. A wooden spoon is lifting a scoop of the mixture, showing chunks of light beige chicken, spinach, tomatoes, and cheese sauce dripping slowly. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role in balancing creaminess, tang, and savory goodness. Here’s why I love each one and some tips for picking the best.

Flat lay of two raw diced chicken breasts with pink flesh and white fat, a small bundle of uncooked penne pasta with smooth ridges, a white ceramic bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a white ceramic bowl holding clear golden chicken broth, a heap of fresh bright green chopped spinach leaves, a white ceramic bowl containing deep red chopped sundried tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of dried Italian herbs, a white ceramic bowl with fine white garlic powder, another white ceramic bowl with pale beige onion powder, a small mound of coarse white salt crystals, a pinch of ground black pepper in a tiny white ceramic bowl, a small pile of shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, a neat pile of finely grated creamy white mozzarella cheese, all 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

Diced Chicken Breasts: Tender, bite-sized pieces cook evenly in the bake and soak up all the delicious sauce flavor.
Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape holds sauce inside, making every forkful satisfying and saucy.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a silky texture that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce light and flavorful without being too heavy.
Chopped Spinach: A sneaky way to add greens and a lovely pop of color that brightens the dish.
Sundried Tomatoes: Their intense, slightly sweet tang cuts through the creaminess for a perfect balance.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that brings that classic Tuscan flair.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor—go easy here so you don’t overpower the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Simple staples that bring out all the best flavors—don’t skip or undersalt!
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, it enriches the sauce and adds a savory punch.
Grated Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey top.

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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

I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand and who I'm cooking for. This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the penne for rigatoni or rotini, simply because those shapes hold the sauce so well. It never disappoints!
Vegetarian Twist: For a meat-free version, cubed tofu or roasted cauliflower work surprisingly well here.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes in the seasoning mix gives the bake a nice kick.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to add a bit of goat cheese or ricotta for an even creamier texture and a subtle tang.

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

Step 1: Get Everything Ready and Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray—this keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking. Having everything prepped and ready at this stage makes the rest of the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients in the Dish

Add the diced chicken, uncooked penne pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped spinach, drained and chopped sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper directly into the baking dish. Stir gently but thoroughly so everything's evenly combined—the pasta gets coated in the flavorful sauce from the start, which is key for a creamy result.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake lets the pasta soak up the liquid and begin cooking evenly. When you take it out, give it a good stir to redistribute the sauce and ensure every bite will be coated.

Step 4: Continue Baking Uncovered and Add Cheese

Put the dish back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20 minutes. Then remove the foil again, stir, and sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Pop it back in for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles to a golden perfection.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After removing from the oven, give it a final gentle stir so the melted cheese blends into the bake. Let it rest a few minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy. Then dig in—your cozy dinner is ready!

Top Tip

Having made this bake dozens of times, I've learned that the key to the perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe lies in layering flavors and keeping an eye on moisture.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken Ahead: Using raw chicken that cooks right in the dish keeps it juicy and tender instead of dry.
Sauce Balance: The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates just the right richness without making it too heavy.
Stir Halfway: Stirring the dish halfway through baking helps keep the pasta evenly coated and prevents it from sticking to the bottom.
Cheese Timing: Adding cheese at the very end results in a more appetizing golden crust and the perfect gooey finish.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top, just before serving. It adds a fresh pop of green and a lovely herbal note that brightens those rich flavors perfectly. A little extra cracked black pepper on top never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. A warm garlic bread on the side? Yes, please!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes serve portions in individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs and a tiny drizzle of good olive oil. It makes the dish feel a little more special without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Sometimes the sauce thickens, so I add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat gently in the oven. It might not be quite as gooey as fresh but still incredibly tasty.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, which helps keep the pasta from drying out. Microwave works too—just add a splash of broth or milk and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?

Absolutely! Penne is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, but rigatoni, rotini, or even shells would work great too. Just watch cooking times if you use smaller or thinner pasta.

Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before baking?

Nope! The diced chicken cooks perfectly in the baking dish along with the pasta and sauce. This saves time and ensures the chicken stays juicy rather than drying out in the oven.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, but the texture will be less rich. For a lighter bake, try using half-and-half or milk, though it won’t be as creamy. Adding extra veggies helps bulk it up without extra calories.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Oven reheating with foil over the dish at 350°F until warmed through works best to maintain creaminess and texture. Microwave reheating is convenient too — just add a little broth or milk and stir periodically to keep the pasta moist.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe really is one of those dishes I keep coming back to, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. The blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s a real crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress!