Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese is a universally loved comfort food, cherished for its creamy, cheesy texture and rich flavors. However, sometimes we crave a little extra flavor and a more filling, wholesome meal. That’s where Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese comes in—a delicious, hearty twist on the traditional mac and cheese recipe. With the addition of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs, this Tuscan-inspired version transforms mac and cheese into a savory, one-pan meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it up as a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish for a family gathering, Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to impress. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant Tuscan flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that is both comforting and refreshing. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the delicious richness of Italian-inspired ingredients.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step needed to make the ultimate Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese, including tips for the best flavor, creamy texture, and perfectly seasoned chicken. So, let’s dive in and create this mouthwatering dish from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Creamy and Flavorful: The sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs.
• Protein-Packed: The addition of chicken makes this mac and cheese a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
• One-Pan Dish: This recipe is simple and easy to clean up, as everything is cooked in one pan.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding in extra veggies, spices, or cheeses for more flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish holds up well and is great for leftovers. It’s also perfect for making ahead of time and reheating later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This will add flavor to the chicken and tie in nicely with the Tuscan-inspired sauce.

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. The exact time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the mac and cheese.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.

To prevent the pasta from sticking together, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water before boiling. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water to help thicken the sauce later, if needed.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan. Whisk constantly to form a roux, cooking it for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a small splash of pasta cooking water or extra milk. If it’s too thin, continue cooking for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken up.

Step 4: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Now that your cheese sauce is ready, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt quickly and blend into the creamy sauce, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor that gives the dish an authentic Tuscan flair.

Continue to cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and the tomatoes are well incorporated into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Once your cheese sauce is creamy and full of Tuscan flavors, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. You can add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, making sure the chicken is well-distributed throughout the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined, serve your Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese in bowls or on a large serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil for a burst of color and added flavor.

For an extra cheesy touch, you can sprinkle some more grated Parmesan cheese on top. You could also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for a smooth finish and an authentic Italian touch.

Tips for the Perfect Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

1. Use a Quality Cheese: For the creamiest mac and cheese, use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese for tang and Parmesan for depth of flavor. You can also use mozzarella or gruyere for a creamier texture if you prefer.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add more red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. Alternatively, omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
3. Customize the Chicken: Feel free to use leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken to save time. For a more flavorful option, you could marinate the chicken in a bit of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic before cooking.
4. Add More Veggies: This dish is incredibly versatile! Add some roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
5. Make It Ahead: Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce if needed.
6. Add Crunch: For a little texture contrast, top your mac and cheese with toasted breadcrumbs or even some crispy bacon bits.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a perfect marriage of creamy comfort food and the rich, vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine. With the added goodness of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and perfectly cooked chicken, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a chilly night or looking to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe will certainly be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic favorite!

Yield: 4-6

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print

Mac and cheese is a universally loved comfort food, cherished for its creamy, cheesy texture and rich flavors. However, sometimes we crave a little extra flavor and a more filling, wholesome meal. That’s where Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese comes in—a delicious, hearty twist on the traditional mac and cheese recipe. With the addition of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs, this Tuscan-inspired version transforms mac and cheese into a savory, one-pan meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Mac and Cheese:
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and sprinkle with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Once simmering, gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve

1. Divide the Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese among plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use either oil-packed or dried sun-dried tomatoes. If using dried, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different cheeses like fontina, cheddar, or gouda for a richer flavor.
• Add Vegetables: For extra veggies, try adding roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.