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 irresistible about a pasta bake that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe hits all those notes, with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a burst of sundried tomato goodness that makes every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is penne, yellowish in color, mixed with chunks of white chicken, dark green spinach leaves, and strips of dried red tomatoes. The creamy sauce is light beige and covers the pasta and other ingredients evenly. A wooden spoon rests inside the dish, partially stirring the pasta in the bottom right corner. The edges of the dish have some sauce baked and slightly browned. The background is a white marbled surface with some green spinach leaves placed loosely on the top right. 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

Honestly, I can’t get enough of this dish. What makes it special is how it delivers layers of creamy, savory, and herby flavors with minimal fuss. Trust me, after trying it once, this pasta bake becomes a staple—and everyone who tastes it agrees.

One-dish wonder: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, which means less cleanup for you—and that’s always a win.
Perfectly creamy: The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming with just the right silkiness.
Sun-dried tomato magic: Those tender, tangy tomatoes add a flavor pop that transforms ordinary chicken pasta into something memorable.
Family-friendly: With cheese melted on top and simple ingredients, this recipe pleases both kids and adults alike.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with creamy pasta. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked penne pasta in a pale yellow color, the middle layer is creamy white sauce mixed with chunks of light beige chicken and bright red sun-dried tomatoes, and the top layer has dark green wilted spinach scattered throughout. A wooden spoon is lifting a large scoop of the pasta, with melted cheese stretching slightly as it is lifted. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about balancing creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. The ingredients come together perfectly, so each element shines without overpowering the dish. Here’s why I pick each one when I shop:

Flat lay of two raw diced chicken breasts with pink flesh, a small pile of uncooked penne pasta, a small white ceramic bowl filled with heavy cream, another small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a simple white plate with fresh chopped green spinach leaves, a small white bowl containing bright red chopped sundried tomatoes, a small white bowl with mixed dried Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl of pale garlic powder, a small white bowl of fine onion powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, a small white bowl heaped with shredded parmesan cheese, and a small white bowl of grated mozzarella cheese, all arranged symmetrically 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: Diced into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay tender while absorbing all those Tuscan flavors.
Penne pasta: I love penne here because its tube shape traps the creamy sauce in every bite.
Heavy cream: It’s the secret to that luscious texture—thick, smooth, and indulgent.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth without making the sauce too heavy.
Chopped spinach: A fresh green hit that keeps the bake balanced and adds nutrients.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped and drained, they deliver a burst of tang and richness that feels classic Tuscan.
Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the dish with earthy, herbal notes that tie everything together.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Convenient pantry staples that pack big flavor and a little savoriness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Parmesan cheese: Shredded for salty, nutty notes and that signature Italian touch.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a bubbly, cheesy crust on top that everyone loves.

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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 often tweak this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe depending on what I have on hand or how hearty I want it. Making it your own is part of the fun!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap penne out for rigatoni or rigatoni for fusilli—just to change the texture and how the sauce clings to the pasta.
Greens change-up: Instead of spinach, try kale or arugula for a peppery bite and extra nutrients.
Healthier twist: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing the sauce to give it a subtle heat that’s utterly addictive.

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

Step 1: Prep and Assemble Everything

First, I preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Then, I dice my chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces—bite-sized is best for even cooking and easy serving. Next, I add the raw penne pasta and all the wet ingredients right into the dish: heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped spinach, and those luscious chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Finally, I sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Mix and Bake Covered

Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the chicken gets coated with the sauce. Then, cover the dish tightly with foil—this traps the steam to cook the pasta evenly and keep the chicken tender. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Stir and Bake Some More

After those first 30 minutes, take the dish out, pull off the foil, and stir everything to make sure the pasta is mixing well with the liquid. Return it to the oven uncovered and bake for another 20 minutes. This step lets the pasta finish cooking and the liquid reduce just right.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Now comes my favorite part—topping the bake with a generous layer of shredded parmesan and mozzarella. Pop it back in the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden in spots. That cheesy crust is what everyone raves about!

Step 5: Stir and Let it Rest

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, pull the dish out, stir the pasta and chicken gently to mix the gooey cheese throughout, and let it rest a few minutes before serving. This little pause helps the flavors settle and ensures the bake isn’t too hot to enjoy.

Top Tip

I’ve made this pasta bake countless times, and a few simple tips make a big difference in how it turns out every single time.

Don’t skip stirring mid-bake: Stirring after the first bake ensures the pasta cooks evenly and the sauce permeates every bite.
Drain sun-dried tomatoes well: Excess oil or liquid can make the dish greasy or too soupy—pat them dry before chopping.
Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent melting as smoothly—fresh is the way to go for that perfect bubbly top.
Rest before serving: Letting the bake cool for 5-10 minutes helps the sauce thicken and keeps it from running off your plate.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Tuscan chicken pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve this, I always sprinkle a little extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley on top. The cheese enhances that savory depth, and parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh note that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread also work wonderfully to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes serve it in individual ramekins instead of one big dish. It feels fancy but is effortless to prepare. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving gives a gourmet twist that wows guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When stored properly, it reheats beautifully without losing creaminess or drying out.

Freezing

This bake freezes well, too. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the container loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes. This approach keeps the sauce creamy and the chicken tender, much better than microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different pasta shapes in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Penne works great because it traps sauce, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even penne rigate are excellent alternatives that hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking or getting mushy?

Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps steam the pasta gently. Also, stirring halfway through ensures even cooking. Be sure to follow the timing closely—overbaking can make the pasta mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. To lower fat, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use milk plus a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce, though it won’t be as rich and creamy.

Can I add other vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! You can toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just chop them so they cook evenly, and remember to adjust cooking times slightly if adding large chunks of veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s got all the creamy, cheesy goodness without needing a ton of pots and pans. It’s homey but elegant, perfect for casual dinners or when you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll see why it quickly earns a permanent spot on your family’s favorites list.