This is absolutely delicious. Don't change a thing! I took this to a dinner party and everyone loved it but I've been making it at home just for us too. It really only takes 10 minutes to prepare everything!

 

Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Pasta

“This is absolutely delicious. Don’t change a thing!”

Introduction

There are recipes that simply work. They bring people together, they wow guests, and they become your weeknight go-to comfort food. This Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Pasta is exactly that dish. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare, is made with familiar ingredients, and delivers big, bold flavor with minimal effort.

Whether you’re making dinner for the family or heading to a potluck or dinner party, this pasta will win hearts. With its creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and cheesy baked finish, it’s a dish that earns compliments every time.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail of making it—from ingredients to prep, variations, serving suggestions, and why this may just become the recipe you’re most proud of.

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Why This Recipe Works

You commented:

“This is absolutely delicious. Don’t change a thing! I took this to a dinner party and everyone loved it but I’ve been making it at home just for us too. It really only takes 10 minutes to prepare everything!”

That’s exactly the beauty of this dish:

• Quick prep – just 10 minutes.

• Foolproof results – creamy, rich, and comforting.

• Crowd-pleaser – perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

• Easy to scale – double it for more people or halve it for a romantic dinner.

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Ingredients

This recipe is flexible, but sticking to the original combo delivers magic.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftovers work great)

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (or your favorite shape)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes

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Preparation Steps (Only 10 Minutes!)

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcook—the pasta will finish baking in the sauce.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

While the pasta boils:

• In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it!).

• Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1–2 minutes.

• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.

• Add Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

• Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).

Optional Shortcut: Use store-bought Alfredo sauce and just doctor it with garlic, tomatoes, and cheese.

4. Combine Everything

• Stir cooked pasta and shredded chicken into the sauce.

• Add spinach and stir gently until wilted (about 1 minute).

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

At this point, your kitchen will smell amazing.

5. Bake to Finish

• If your skillet is oven-safe, sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

• Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce thickens and flavors settle.

Serving Ideas:

• Pair with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or baguette for dipping

• Glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with citrus

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Why It’s So Loved

You mentioned that this dish gets rave reviews at dinner parties, but is also simple enough for weeknights. That’s the key to a great recipe: adaptable, dependable, and endlessly enjoyable.

Here’s why this dish shines:

• Rotisserie chicken = time saver: No need to cook chicken from scratch.

• Heavy cream + broth: Creates a balanced richness that isn’t too heavy.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Add sweetness, tang, and umami.

• Spinach: Boosts nutrition and adds color without overpowering.

• Baking step: Melts the cheese into golden perfection.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead:

• Assemble everything up to the baking step.

• Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• Bake directly from the fridge—add 5–10 extra minutes.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezer-friendly? Yes! Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

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Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is delicious as-is, but can be customized to suit your mood or pantry:

Protein Variations:

• Grilled shrimp instead of chicken

• Cooked crumbled sausage

• Smoked salmon (skip the Parmesan)

Vegetarian Version:

• Skip the chicken, double the spinach

• Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted zucchini

Cheese Swaps:

• Fontina, gouda, or provolone instead of mozzarella

• Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan

Add-ins:

• Artichoke hearts

• Roasted red peppers

• Fresh basil on top

• Pine nuts for crunch

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 580

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 32g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 820mg

These values vary based on specific ingredients used. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream, or reduce cheese.

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Hosting Tip: How to Serve at a Dinner Party

This recipe is easy to transport and reheat, making it ideal for potlucks or hosted dinners. Here's how:

1. Bake in a disposable foil tray or attractive ceramic dish.

2. Cover with foil during transport.

3. At your destination, reheat uncovered in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chili flakes just before serving.

Bonus tip: Bring along a bottle of chilled white wine or a small loaf of rustic bread. Everyone will think you’re a culinary genius (you kind of are!).

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Rave Reviews

Here are imagined testimonials from people just like you:

Sarah M.: “Made this for a dinner party and got asked for the recipe three times. So creamy and flavorful!”

Jake T.: “My wife and I now make this almost weekly. It’s the easiest ‘fancy’ meal we know.”

Lisa W.: “The fact that I can throw this together in 10 minutes makes it dangerous. It’s that good.”

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Fun Twists for Next Time

• Add a crunchy topping: Mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking for a crispy finish.

• Go spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a swirl of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Try a pasta bake bar: Offer different mix-ins (mushrooms, olives, grilled veggies) and let guests build their own before baking.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Pasta checks every box:

✅ 10-minute prep
✅ Dinner party–worthy
✅ Weeknight-friendly
✅ Ultra comforting
✅ Easy to adapt
✅ Incredibly delicious

If you've found yourself making this on repeat, you're not alone. It's the kind of recipe that becomes part of your cooking identity—a reliable winner that satisfies every time. So don’t change a thing—this one’s already perfect.