Creamy, flavorful, and healthy, Chicken Tuscan Pasta Bake is perfect to eat right away or to prep ahead and freeze for another day. Great for sharing with people in need of a meal, too.
I was chatting with a friend once who was pregnant with her third child and I mentioned that I wanted to bring her a meal after the baby was born. She was thrilled, telling me she had never had a “new mom” meal delivered to her.
Let me stop for a minute. Two previous babies, and no one had ever made her a meal to help her out when she brought home a newborn.
NO ONE.
This is so appalling to me, and yet she may still be in the same situation because I moved and was unable to bring her one. The thought of cooking after you’ve given birth is a seriously daunting thought and everyone should have, at the very minimum, a week of meals from friends and family to help them out.
One of my favorites is my easy 20 Minute Italian Turkey Bean Soup. I make a double batch and then I have dinner made for my family, too. I usually pair the bean soup with a loaf of yummy bread, fresh fruit, a salad, and a dessert. I love to make my whole wheat chocolate chip cookies, bringing a couple dozen baked and a couple dozen additional balls of dough that I’ve frozen. If the new moms have surprise visitors (and you know they will!), they can pop the frozen dough balls in the oven and enjoy freshly baked cookies with their visitors.
I will be adding this Chicken Tuscan Pasta Bake to my rotation for new parents. It freezes well and it’s the epitome of comfort without being overly rich or fattening. Whole wheat pasta, chicken breast, and kale make this a hearty and healthy meal and the cheese that ties it all together will keep you coming back for more. The tangy, chewy sun dried tomatoes are little flavor bombs…don’t leave them out!
This Brussels sprouts salad is a great side. It keeps well in the fridge. These no bake peanut butter bars would be welcome, too, I’m sure.
Recipe Tip
If you do plan to freeze and reheat this, you may wish to add a can of diced tomatoes (15 ounce) to the recipe to prevent it from drying out!
Important note! If you’re cooking this from the freezer, make sure to put it in the COLD oven before preheating. Never put a cold pan in a hot oven or you’ll be cleaning up glass and no one will be eating pasta.
PS: If you have a busy day planned, this crock pot baked ziti looks perfect! Or try easy Baked Feta Pasta, with only a few ingredients, you’ll be eating dinner in about half an hour.
More baked pasta recipes
- Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe with a twist on the classic!
- Green Chile Mac and Cheese Recipe
- EASIEST Baked Macaroni and Cheese (the best!)
- Pastitsio
- Stuffed Shells Recipe — vegetable packed!
- Macaroni and Cheese Pizza with bacon and green onions
- Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Rolls
Chicken Tuscan Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. (13.25 oz) whole wheat penne pasta (or any type of pasta you prefer)
- 1.25 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or more, if you like)
- 5 ounces fresh baby kale
- 1 jar (7 oz.) julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (or regular cream cheese)
- 1 cup milk (2% or whole milk)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- If baking immediately, preheat oven to 350°F. Otherwise, begin on step 2.
- Drain the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, reserving the oil. Arrange the tomatoes on paper towels and use additional paper towels to pat off the excess oil.1 jar (7 oz.) julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain when finished cooking.1 pkg. (13.25 oz) whole wheat penne pasta
- Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of reserved sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil) and add chicken and onions. Sauté until chicken is cooked through and onions are translucent, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.1.25 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, ½ cup diced onion, 1 clove garlic, minced
- Add kale and drained sun-dried tomatoes and cook until kale is wilted, stirring frequently.5 ounces fresh baby kale
- Add cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and cook until cream cheese is melted and incorporated.3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, 1 cup milk, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat pasta with all other ingredients. Pour into prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- If baking immediately, place in preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. If you like a softer noodle, cover with foil during baking.
Notes
- To freeze: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil and place in freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove plastic and cover with foil. Place in cold oven and turn oven to 350°F. Bake for 45 minutes covered, and then uncover and continue baking for 30 minutes longer or until heated through.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and substitute 8 oz. sliced white mushrooms. Sauté them with the onions. If you’re not a vegetarian but still love mushrooms, you can use both the chicken and the mushrooms if you want.
- Different greens: Baby spinach can be substituted for the baby kale. If you use curly or lacinato kale, remove the stem and tough inner stalk, and chop it finely. It will take longer to soften.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!Disclosure: I have been compensated by Milk Means More for my time to develop this recipe and write this post. All opinions are as always, my own. Find out more about why Milk Means More on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.
Very yummy and wonderful to impress your friends…love it
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a review!
So I cook everything and then bake it? I’m going to make today but don’t want to bake it until tomorrow. It still needs to bake even though everything is already cooked?
That is correct! It changes the texture slightly and brings everything together.