Easy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

With just one pot to clean and a mix of delicious flavors, this dish is a family favorite. Serve it with a side salad, and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I recommend using elbow macaroni or cavatappi, but feel free to switch it up with fusilli or penne! Whole wheat pasta is also a great alternative if you want a healthier option.

Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. However, you can substitute with rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time or use tofu for a vegetarian twist!

Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add a lovely texture. If you don’t have any, try using canned mushrooms or skip them altogether. Bell peppers could also work well here if you want to add more veggies.

Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in this recipe. If you have leftover frozen spinach, it’s a perfect alternative! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it.

Cheese: I love using mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that creamy, cheesy goodness. If you’re looking for alternatives, gouda or cheddar can work too! For an extra kick, try adding some blue cheese.

How Do I Ensure Creamy, Dreamy Sauce?

Making a creamy sauce is all about combining the right ingredients and technique. Start by heating your milk and cream together, and avoid boiling, as high heat can cause it to curdle. Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly to help it melt and thicken smoothly.

• Cook pasta until just al dente to avoid mushiness in the end.
• Use a mix of cheeses for depth in flavor – mozzarella gives creaminess, while Parmesan adds that salty touch.
• Make sure to stir continuously while adding cheese to help it blend and become silky.

Following these tips will lead to a wonderfully creamy sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta and chicken!

Easy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Easy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese will take about 30 minutes to prepare. Expect around 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick dish perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This means it will still have a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

2. Sauté the Chicken:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.

4. Add Mushrooms and Tomatoes:

Next, add the sliced mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them until the mushrooms soften, which should take around 4-5 minutes.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium and pour in both the milk and heavy cream. Stir everything well, bringing the mixture just to a simmer.

6. Add the Cheeses:

Gradually mix in the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and becomes creamy.

7. Combine Everything:

Now, return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

8. Final Touches:

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Dish out your creamy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese while it’s hot and enjoy all the delicious flavors!

This one-pot dish combines comforting mac and cheese with classic Tuscan flavors—sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, plus tender chicken—making it a hearty and delicious dinner!

FAQ for Easy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni and cavatappi are great choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, penne, or even rotini work well! Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions to avoid overcooking.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You could also use plant-based protein or lentils for added texture and protein.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

You can freeze this mac and cheese, but for best results, you may want to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it on the stove, adding a bit of milk to restore creaminess.