Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy delight packed with tender chicken, tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a comforting twist on classic macaroni and cheese!
This dish is a family favorite at my house! I love how the flavors blend together, and the cheesy goodness makes everyone happy. Pair it with a salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend elbow macaroni for that classic mac and cheese texture, but cavatappi is a fun twist with its spiral shape. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta, which cooks just like regular pasta!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast adds protein and heartiness. You could use rotisserie chicken for ease or even leftover turkey for a different flavor. For a vegetarian twist, chickpeas or tofu can replace the chicken.
Spinach: Baby spinach adds color and nutrients. If you can’t find fresh spinach, you could substitute kale, which has a sturdier texture, or even frozen spinach (just be sure to thaw and drain it first).
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms bring an earthy flavor. If you don’t like mushrooms, feel free to swap them for diced zucchini or bell peppers, which will still keep the dish vibrant.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for creaminess, but I also love mixing in a bit of gouda for a smoky flavor! For a lower-fat option, try part-skim mozzarella, but remember it might not be as gooey.
How Do I Best Combine the Sauces for Creaminess?
Creating a creamy sauce is important in this recipe, and the secret is in how you combine the liquid ingredients. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect consistency:
- Start with medium heat and stir the chicken broth and heavy cream together gently. This helps them meld well.
- Adding the cheese gradually ensures it melts more evenly. Mix it in slowly so that you can achieve that smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
- Keep stirring until the cheese completely melts before adding the pasta, which ensures everything is coated evenly.
Following these steps will help you create a deliciously creamy Tuscan chicken mac and cheese every time!
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan Chicken Mac And Cheese recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In that time, you will boil the pasta, sauté the veggies, and create a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful weeknight treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Boil it until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re tender—this takes about 5 minutes. The mushrooms should be soft and a little golden by the time you’re done.
3. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook everything for about 1 minute, until you can really smell the garlic—it should smell amazing!
4. Make the Sauce Base:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes so all the flavors blend nicely.
5. Add Chicken and Spinach:
Time to add the cooked diced chicken and the baby spinach into the skillet. Cook everything together until the spinach wilts—this should only take a couple of minutes. It’s looking good already!
6. Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
Reduce the heat a bit and start adding the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything becomes a creamy, delicious sauce.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Now it’s time to bring back the cooked pasta! Fold it gently into the skillet, making sure the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. This is where it all comes together.
8. Sprinkle and Heat:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes. This will make it gooey and extra tasty.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Once ready, serve your Tuscan Chicken Mac And Cheese warm. You can even garnish with more sun-dried tomatoes if you like. Enjoy your comforting dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, fusilli, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions for the best texture!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or a combination of milk and butter. For every cup of heavy cream needed, mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter for a similar richness.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to help loosen the sauce.
