This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy delight! It’s packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and lovely spinach, all mixed up in a cheesy pasta bowl.
You’ll love how comforting this dish is. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I often pair it with a nice salad for a tasty dinner combo. Trust me, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni works great, but I prefer cavatappi for its twisty shape that holds more sauce. If you have gluten-free needs, use gluten-free pasta; it works just as well!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect here. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a quick and tasty alternative. Leftovers also work well!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nice color and nutrition. If you can’t find fresh, frozen spinach will do; just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
Mushrooms: I like using cremini or button mushrooms. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip them or replace them with zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring a burst of flavor. If you don’t have them, chopped fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers can work, though the taste will be different.
Cheese: Mozzarella offers gooeyness, while Parmesan adds a salty kick. For a different flavor, try Cheddar or Gruyère. Adjust to your taste preference!
How Do I Get a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Clumping?
A creamy cheese sauce can be tricky, but here are some tips to ensure it’s smooth every time:
- Warm the heavy cream before adding it to the pan. This helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Gradually add the mozzarella, stirring constantly. This prevents it from seizing up.
- Make sure the heat is low when adding the cheese to avoid curdling.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and you have a smooth sauce.
With these tips, your cheese sauce will be luscious and creamy, coating the pasta perfectly!
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes cooking the pasta and sautéing the ingredients, followed by mixing it all together for a deliciously creamy meal. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, drizzle the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften.
3. Add the Chicken and Spinach:
Next, stir in the diced chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh spinach. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted nicely.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for a couple of minutes to let the flavors combine.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This should take just a minute or two.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Now, add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Finish with Parmesan:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and gives the dish an extra creamy texture.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Your Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is now ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately, and if you’d like, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for an extra touch of flavor and color. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni and cavatappi work great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require more or less time to become al dente.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and sour cream for a similar creamy texture. However, the richness may be slightly less, so you might want to add a little extra cheese for flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat, stirring often, or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. You can sauté them alongside the mushrooms for a deliciously colorful and nutritious twist!
