If you’re craving cozy comfort food with a twist, this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tender seasoned chicken, it’s the perfect blend of classic mac and cheese with vibrant Tuscan flavors that brighten every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: The luscious blend of three cheeses with half and half creates an irresistibly creamy sauce that hugs every pasta bite.
- Burst of Tuscan Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley bring a sunny, herbaceous brightness to the dish.
- Hearty & Balanced: Baby spinach adds color and nutrition, while the seasoned chicken packs in protein for a filling meal.
- Simple & Versatile: Made with straightforward ingredients you likely already have, this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in the Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a key part in building layers of texture and flavor — from the tender, perfectly seasoned chicken to the melty trifecta of cheeses and the subtle tang of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless for quick cooking and easy slicing; they soak up the seasoning beautifully.
- Olive oil & butter: Essentials for sautéing with a hint of richness that kickstarts flavor development.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These give a concentrated tang and chewy texture that make this mac and cheese stand out.
- Spinach: Fresh leaves wilted into the sauce add a pop of color and a gentle earthiness.
- Three cheeses (Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar): Combined they deliver creaminess, meltiness, and sharpness all in one.
- Italian seasoning, paprika, and parsley: Classic Tuscan herbs and spices that elevate every bite with aromatic depth.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the cheesy sauce.
- Chicken broth and half and half: Create the creamy, velvety base for the sauce with just the right hint of savory richness.
Variations
The beauty of this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is how easily you can adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs — it’s a flexible canvas ready for your creative spin.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts to keep the hearty texture while staying meat-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when cooking the sauce for a lovely heat contrast.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese to recreate that creamy goodness without dairy.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Feel free to substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for dietary preferences.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors before slicing into 1/4-inch strips.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions with minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step releases their natural sweetness, setting a perfect foundation. Next, toss in the thin strips of sun-dried tomatoes and cook gently for about 2 minutes to blend their tanginess into the mix.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and tomato mixture, stirring constantly to make a roux and cook the raw flour taste away. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, half and half, and dried Italian seasoning, bringing the mixture to a simmer. This luscious sauce will thicken and provide the velvety texture that makes this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Add Spinach
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni into the sauce, stirring gently to prevent clumping. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente. Then fold in the baby spinach and cook until it’s mostly wilted, adding a gorgeous green vibrancy and light freshness.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Add Chicken
Turn the heat to low and stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until the sauce becomes thick and cheesy. Finally, incorporate the sliced chicken, allowing it to reheat gently and infuse its savory essence throughout. Sprinkle fresh Italian parsley on top and serve right away for maximum ooey-gooey delight.
Pro Tips for Making Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken well on both sides to boost flavor right from the start.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente in the sauce—it will soften a bit more when mixed with cheese and chicken.
- Low and Slow for Cheese Melt: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest before slicing—it keeps the meat juicy and tender.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped Italian parsley not only brightens up the colors but adds a fresh herbal note that contrasts wonderfully with the rich cheese sauce. For an extra touch, a few grates of Parmesan on top or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This creamy and hearty dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia also make excellent companions to soak up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe straight from a rustic cast-iron skillet for a cozy, family-style meal. Alternatively, spoon it into individual ramekins, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust that’s sumptuous and eye-catching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more deliciously overnight, so it’s a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
Freeze portions of this dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best results, leave out fresh spinach and parsley when freezing, then add fresh when reheating to maintain vibrant texture and color.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy and smooth. Stir occasionally to evenly warm and prevent sticking.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, rotini, or penne — any pasta shape that holds sauce well will work beautifully.
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Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge; gently reheat it before adding pasta to avoid overcooking. It’s best to cook and combine everything fresh for maximum creaminess, though.
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How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Letting the chicken rest covered after cooking is key to retaining moisture. Avoid overcooking and slice it just before mixing into the mac and cheese to keep it tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is everything you love about comfort food with a bright, Mediterranean twist that makes weeknights exciting. It’s rich, hearty, and surprisingly easy to pull together — once you try it, it’ll quickly take its place as a family favorite you’ll make over and over. So grab your skillet and get ready to savor every cheesy, flavorful bite!
PrintTuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This creamy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich, cheesy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of Italian cheeses. The elbow macaroni is cooked directly in the velvety sauce on the stovetop, creating a comforting one-pan dish perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
Mac and Cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces jarred sun-dried tomatoes, cut into thin strips
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 3/4 cups half and half
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Divide half of the salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley to season one side of the chicken breasts. Flip and use the remaining spices to season the other side evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into 1/4-inch strips and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Make the Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir to incorporate completely, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add chicken broth, half and half, and Italian seasoning while stirring continuously. Bring this mixture to a low simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the sauce, stirring to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted and reduced by about two-thirds, stirring constantly for even cooking.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Lower the heat to low and add Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses. Stir gently until cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Finish: Add the sliced cooked chicken back into the skillet with the cheesy pasta. Stir well to reheat the chicken through and integrate it into the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh Italian parsley over the top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Enjoy this comforting Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute half and half with whole milk and heavy cream for a lighter or richer sauce respectively.
- If sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are used, drain excess oil to avoid an oily sauce.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and pasta substitutes.
