Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish offers a protein-packed, cheesy, and creamy experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or small shells pasta
- 1 lb tender chicken breast, diced
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), freshly shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook diced chicken breast until golden and cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavors, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and a splash of apple cider vinegar, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) until melted and the sauce looks smooth and luscious.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add fresh spinach leaves, and stir until the spinach wilts. Then, fold in the drained macaroni, mixing everything thoroughly so every bite is coated in that rich, creamy sauce.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) on top, and broil for a golden finish.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and to avoid clumping.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente as it will continue to cook with the sauce.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and tender bites.
- Add spinach last and stir quickly to keep its vibrant color and nutrients.
- A small splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Baking
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken mac and cheese, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomatoes mac and cheese, easy comfort food, cheesy chicken dinner
