Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that combines creamy textures with bold Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a cozy date night, this recipe stands out with its balance of comfort food and health-conscious ingredients. With protein-packed chicken and fresh vegetables, you can enjoy indulgence without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich sauce that you’ll crave.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish; it’s great for any occasion!
• Healthy Twist: Packed with protein from chicken and spinach, this mac and cheese is lighter than traditional recipes.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy pasta dish, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation. Having everything ready will make making your Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese even more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and cooking chicken evenly.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly when making the cheese sauce.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for holding cooked ingredients before combining them into the mac and cheese.

Ingredients

This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors in each bite! It’s lightened up and packed with protein and works great for an easy dinner or meal prep!

For the Pasta

• 1 lb. boneless chicken breast (cut into small, equal bite-size pieces)
• 12 oz. large elbow macaroni

For the Sauce

• 8 oz. sun dried tomatoes (in oil) (drained and chopped)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (15g) (divided)
• 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (75g) (diced)
• 1 Tbsp butter (15g)
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (15g)
• 1 cup chicken broth (240g)
• 1.75 cups milk (420g) (any dairy or nondairy, I used almond here)
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp pepper (more to taste)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (112g) (freshly shredded)
• 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (84g) (freshly shredded)
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Sprinkle generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse the pasta with cool water, drain it, then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion; sauté for 2 minutes. Next, add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, then cook for another 5 minutes until tender. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Transfer chicken to a bowl with the mushrooms.

Step 4: Make Cheese Sauce

Wipe the skillet clean before melting butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour followed by milk, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high until boiling; whisk frequently for about 4-5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in both cheeses.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Chop sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces. In the skillet with cheese sauce, fold in sun-dried tomatoes, cooked macaroni, spinach, chicken, mushrooms, and onions. Mix until everything is well combined. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper before serving!

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

Serving Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is all about bringing out its rich, creamy flavors while complementing the dish with delightful accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Caesar Salad: Classic Caesar adds crunch and a tangy taste that pairs beautifully with the richness of the mac and cheese.

Add a Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumb Topping: Toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan can add a satisfying crunch on top of the mac and cheese.
• Pine Nut Sprinkle: Lightly toasted pine nuts introduce a nutty flavor that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up leftover sauce.
• Herb-infused Breadsticks: Soft, cheesy breadsticks seasoned with Italian herbs make for a delightful side.

How to Perfect Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

To achieve the best version of Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh sun-dried tomatoes and high-quality cheese will enhance the flavors significantly.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to ensure it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different combinations of cheeses like gouda or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

Adding side dishes can elevate your meal experience when serving Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil add color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds crunch and balances out the creaminess of the pasta dish.
4. Italian Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, olives, and cheeses can serve as an appetizer or complement your main dish.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative that pairs nicely with mac and cheese.
6. Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and garlic, roasted asparagus adds elegance and brightness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the salt in pasta water: Not salting the water for cooking pasta can lead to bland macaroni. Always remember to generously salt your boiling water before adding the pasta.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Aim for about 5 minutes or until just cooked through, ensuring it’s tender and juicy.
• Not using fresh cheese: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well as fresh cheese. For a creamier sauce in your Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese, opt for freshly shredded cheese instead.
• Neglecting to taste seasonings: Failing to taste your cheese sauce can lead to underseasoned macaroni. Always sample before mixing in other ingredients, adjusting salt and spices as needed.
• Forgetting to fold in ingredients gently: Mixing too vigorously can break down delicate ingredients like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Fold them in gently to preserve their texture and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing the container to avoid condensation.

Freezing Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking of freshness.

Reheating Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: In a saucepan over medium heat, add a splash of milk or broth. Stir frequently until heated through, ensuring it remains creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy pasta dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and two types of cheese mixed into elbow macaroni. It’s inspired by Mediterranean flavors!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator after cooking, then simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Can I customize the vegetables used?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer. Zucchini, bell peppers, or kale would also work great!

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily. It makes a great option for healthy lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is not only creamy and cheesy but also packed with Mediterranean flavors that elevate this classic comfort food. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences while still being simple enough for any night of the week. Give it a try—your family will love it!