Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s both creamy and packed with bold flavors, this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is just what you need. I absolutely love how this turns traditional mac and cheese into a hearty meal with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, bringing a little taste of Tuscany right into your kitchen.

When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite because it’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend dinners. You’ll find that the blend of cheeses and Italian seasonings creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, while the chicken adds satisfying protein to keep everyone full and happy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients work together to create that classic creamy texture, with a few Italian-inspired additions to make it truly special. When shopping, choose quality cheeses and fresh spinach for the best results.

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and easy slicing.
• Olive oil: Adds a nice richness when searing the chicken.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every component.
• Onion powder & paprika: Adds depth and a subtle smoky kick to the chicken.
• Dried parsley: Provides a mild herbaceous note.
• Butter: Used for sautéing onions and garlic – makes the base of the sauce silky.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aroma when caramelized.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic boosts savory flavor beautifully.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: The star ingredient that gives this recipe a burst of tangy, rich flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just right without overpowering the taste.
• Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Half and half: Adds creaminess with less fat than heavy cream.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil to bring Tuscan charm.
• Elbow macaroni: Classic shape that holds the sauce perfectly.
• Baby spinach leaves: For a fresh, healthy touch that wilts nicely into the dish.
• Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it deepens the cheese flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy goodness.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds a bit of tang and color.
• Fresh Italian parsley: Brightens the dish when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on what I have on hand. You should definitely feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking — it’s way more fun that way!

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions for a subtle heat boost; my family always appreciates this little kick.
• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted artichoke hearts to keep it hearty but meat-free.
• Different pasta shapes: Penne or cavatappi works just as well and makes it feel a bit fancy — I like to try different shapes for kids’ lunches.
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and almond milk instead of half and half, though it will change the creaminess slightly.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First, season your chicken breasts evenly using half of the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley on one side, then flip and season the other side with the remaining spices. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden. Once cooked, remove the chicken, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing — this keeps it juicy and tender, a trick I’ve learned the hard way.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add butter and melt it over medium heat, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and heavenly in aroma. Next, stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another couple of minutes to release their vibrant flavor — this part instantly lifts the whole dish.

Step 3: Make it Creamy and Cheesy

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook for a full minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half along with the Italian seasoning, bringing everything together into a luscious sauce. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni right into the simmering sauce and stir occasionally while you let it cook for about 10 minutes until perfectly al dente.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach, Cheese, and Chicken

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts, reducing by two-thirds — stirring helps avoid clumps and ensures even cooking. Lower the heat to low and mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth. Lastly, fold in the sliced chicken and warm it through. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving for a lovely burst of freshness.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a little extra chopped fresh parsley to add a bright, herbaceous pop that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper for a subtle heat or even some extra Parmesan for that salty finish.

Side Dishes

This dish goes beautifully with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of cheesy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make a great, simple side to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch. It always impresses guests and feels a little more gourmet than the classic family-style approach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. Reheating gently on the stove with a splash of milk helps bring back the creamy texture without drying the pasta out.

Freezing

Personally, I’ve frozen this mac and cheese a few times by letting it cool completely, then sealing it in freezer-safe bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low, stirring as it warms to keep things smooth.

Reheating

Reheating in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk works best to restore the creamy sauce and prevent the cheese from clumping. Avoid microwaving straight away as it can dry out the dish unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want comfort food with a bit of flair. It’s that perfect combo of cheesy, creamy pasta with a fresh and savory Italian twist. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it truly feels like a little culinary escape to Tuscany, right from your own kitchen!

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