The Ultimate Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy tuscan chicken pasta bake delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Packed with rich, velvety flavors, the recipe blends tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a dreamy sauce.

Herbs and spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Parmesan cheese melts into golden, crispy perfection across the top, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy brightness that cuts through the creamy base, making every forkful exciting.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will find themselves returning for seconds.

This crowd-pleasing dish transforms an ordinary evening into a delicious celebration of home cooking.

Essential Ingredients for Bisquick Dumplings

• Penne Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that provides structure and hearty texture to the dish.
• Chicken: A protein-rich component that adds substantial flavor and makes the meal more filling.
• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that introduces color and earthy taste to the pasta bake.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A tangy ingredient that brings concentrated tomato flavor and Mediterranean character.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a rich, melty sauce and provide a golden, bubbling top layer.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious base that helps create a smooth and velvety sauce.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and aromatic flavor to the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean herbs and warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté garlic and adds a subtle richness to the sauce.

Making Bisquick Dumplings Simply

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Turn on the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil the penne pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Sizzle Garlic in Olive Oil

Pour olive oil into a large skillet.

Add minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in the skillet.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Melt Cheese into Sauce

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the cheeses completely melt and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Mix-Ins

• Cooked penne pasta
• Cooked chicken
• Fresh spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Ensure everything gets evenly coated with the rich sauce.

Step 7: Assemble and Top the Bake

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra melty goodness.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your delicious Tuscan-inspired meal!

Tips for Tender Bisquick Dumplings

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and ensure they're evenly cut for consistent cooking and better sauce distribution.
• Pat spinach dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the pasta watery and diluting the creamy sauce.
• Grate fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded packaged cheese.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes at the end to preserve their intense taste and prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for convenient meal planning.

Dumpling Variations for Fun

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegan version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use Greek yogurt as a lighter cream alternative and add extra vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Choose gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if needed.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, use kalamata olives instead of sun-dried tomatoes, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor punch.

Ways to Serve Bisquick Dumplings

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Rustic Italian Spread: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that feels like a cozy Italian dinner.
• Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the dish's Mediterranean flavors.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the pasta bake.

Bisquick Dumpling Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta bake will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake unique?

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and two types of cheese (mozzarella and Parmesan) creates a rich, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s different from typical pasta bakes.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble the pasta bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells that will hold the creamy sauce well.

Why Bisquick Dumplings Are Loved

• Savor Family-Friendly Delight: A crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together with its rich, comforting flavors and easy preparation.
• Customize Your Meal: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add different vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for experimenting home cooks.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this single-dish meal that combines protein, pasta, and vegetables in a creamy, cheesy sauce that satisfies all taste buds.
• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal solution for busy families needing a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta bake brings Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables with its rich blend of herbs, tender chicken, and melted cheese. Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Cheese:

• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the pasta bake.
2. Prepare the pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfect al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
3. Infuse olive oil with minced garlic in a skillet, releasing aromatic flavors over medium heat.
4. Create a luxurious sauce by introducing heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing it to simmer and develop depth for 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, stirring until they melt into a velvety, smooth consistency.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, gently coating everything in the rich, creamy sauce.
7. Transfer the harmonious mixture to a greased baking dish, generously scattering additional mozzarella across the top for a golden, crispy finish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.
9. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and settle before serving this comforting Tuscan-inspired creation.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding grilled shrimp or tofu for a versatile protein swap that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
• Create a lighter version using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, reducing calories while maintaining creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Gluten-free option works perfectly by substituting regular penne with gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious comfort meal without compromise.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make weeknight cooking a breeze, chopping chicken and vegetables in advance for quick assembly and minimal kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg