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    Home » Recipes » Entrées

    Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

    Published: Aug 27, 2019 · Modified: Oct 29, 2022 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 669 words. · About 4 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe
    Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese by The Toasty Kitchen

    Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy one pan meal that's ready in just 30 minutes.

    This cheesy dish is filled with macaroni, chicken, and classic Italian flavors like garlic, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.

    Tuscan chicken macaroni and cheese in a saute pan.

    Are you looking for a cheesy, flavorful comfort meal? Look no further.

    You'll love this recipe for Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese because it's filled with Italian flavor, comes together in a single pan, and makes the perfect comfort food meal.

    I've paired this classic side dish with some of my favorite Italian flavors and come up with an amazingly easy to make and quick one pan meal. Easy to serve on its own or with a batch of garlic bread.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Ingredients for a meal laid out on a counter top.Cubed chicken can be substituted with cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken instead. Simply skip the step of cooking your chicken and continue with the recipe as written.

    Parmesan and mozzarella are best when freshly shredded. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in an anti-clumping powder which when melted, causes your sauce to get grainy. Instead, shred your own for a creamy sauce.

    Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.

    Spinach can be substituted with any tender leafy greens like arugula or baby kale.

    Macaroni can be substituted with any medium sized dried pasta, like shells or farfalle. Check your pasta's cooking directions and adjust the recipe times as needed.

    Adding spinach to tuscan chicken mac and cheese.

    Thickening your sauce

    Because your pasta is cooked in the same pan as your sauce, the starch from the cooking pasta helps to naturally thicken your sauce.

    The starches, combined with a small amount of all-purpose flour, will help to thicken your sauce as the meal cooks.

    If your cheese sauce looks too thin, remove your finished pan from the heat and allow to set for 5 minutes, uncovered. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sets.

    Saute pan filled with macaroni and cheese.

    What to serve with mac and cheese

    While this one pan meal is complete on its own, it can also be paired with a small side dish and stretched to feed a bigger crowd!

    • Freezer garlic bread
    • Garlic bread cheese balls
    • Winter chopped salad
    • Oven roasted brussels sprouts
    • Roasted zucchini and squash
    • Grilled broccolini
    Tuscan chicken macaroni and cheese in a saute pan.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 reviews

    Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

    Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy one pan meal that's ready in just 30 minutes. This cheesy dish is filled with macaroni, chicken, and classic Italian flavors like garlic, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Cook Time20 minutes
    Resting Time5 minutes
    Total Time30 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 694kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup milk
    • 6 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ⅔ cup parmesan cheese, grated
    • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • 2 cups fresh spinach
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, as a garnish)

    Instructions

    • Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a saute pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add cubed chicken and saute on all sides until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove from pan.
    • Add diced onions and sun-dried tomatoes to pan. Cook for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Add flour, stirring to coat. Cook another 30 seconds.
    • Add chicken broth, milk, macaroni, and Italian seasoning to pan, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook according to macaroni package directions for al dente pasta (should be about 9 minutes).
    • Remove lid and add parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, as well as the cooked chicken back to the pan. Stir until cheese is melted.
    • Add spinach, stirring to incorporate, about one minute. Remove pan from heat and allow to set for 5 minutes before serving.

    Equipment Recommendations

    • Stainless Steel Saute Pan
    • Red Spoonula Set
    • Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cups
    • Measuring Spoons

    Notes

    • Italian seasoning can be found in the spice aisle of your local grocery store, or you can make your own with my recipe here: https://thetoastykitchen.com/italian-seasoning/
    • Other pastas can be used instead of macaroni - try penne, bow tie, or cavatappi. 

    Nutrition Estimate

    Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1332mg | Potassium: 1849mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 2696IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 449mg | Iron: 5mg
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American

    More recipes

    • Loaded Mac and Cheese
    • Stovetop Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
    • Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
    • Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Meal

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    1. Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese — The Toasty Kitchen | My Meals are on Wheels says:
      August 28, 2019 at 8:23 pm

      […] via Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese — The Toasty Kitchen […]

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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