Cozy Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering baked Tuscan chicken casserole brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Mediterranean flavors dance through every bite of this hearty dish.

Fragrant herbs and creamy textures create a delightful symphony of taste.

Weeknight meals can feel extraordinary with such a simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Cheese melts into golden pools while tender chicken nestles beneath a blanket of rich sauce.

Home cooking reaches new heights when ingredients blend with such passionate precision.

You’ll want to savor each delectable forkful and share this culinary masterpiece with loved ones.

FAQs

• What are the key flavor ingredients in this Tuscan chicken dish?

The key flavor ingredients are sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, which create a rich and authentic Tuscan-style taste profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it, making it convenient for busy weeknights or planned meals.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it completely before adding to the sauce to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

Why Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Is A Winner

• Unleash Tuscan Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering culinary journey with this rich, creamy chicken dish that brings the essence of Italy right to your dinner table.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even novice cooks can master with confidence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses the same skillet for searing chicken and creating a luxurious sauce, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Ingredients For Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein that serves as the base of this delicious Tuscan-inspired casserole.

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for searing and adding depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic element to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic Mediterranean herb blend.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.
• Spinach: Introduces a fresh and nutritious green element to the casserole.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish.

Step-By-Step Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning all over the chicken breasts, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Sear the Protein

Fire up a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Drop the seasoned chicken into the sizzling pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms.

Carefully transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until fragrant.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir the mixture until it transforms into a luxurious, slightly thickened sauce.

Step 5: Add Some Color and Flavor

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach

Cook until the spinach gets soft and wilted.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

This guarantees it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your Tuscan-inspired feast!

Tips To Boost Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Simmer sauce slowly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy finish that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet briefly before adding to chicken to enhance its aromatic profile and release more complex flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and avoid overcooking, ensuring juicy and tender chicken every time.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, maintaining the dish's rich, creamy essence.

Creative Twists On Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute spinach with zucchini noodles and use bone-in chicken thighs for added richness and flavor.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Add kalamata olives, swap Italian seasoning for oregano and thyme, and include crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth and maintaining the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a plant-based meal.

Serving Suggestions For Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair this creamy Tuscan chicken with garlic-roasted baby potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Freshness Factor: Top the casserole with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish.
• Wine Companion: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the chicken.
• Green Side Delight: Add a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole and provide a light, refreshing contrast.

Storing Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Correctly

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze sauce separately from chicken for best texture.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Scrumptious Tuscan chicken casserole delivers rich Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures and herbs. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup (236 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Seasonings, and Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and apply a light coating of grease to a baking vessel.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with aromatic salt, ground pepper, and robust Italian herb blend.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Caramelize chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until achieving a rich golden exterior. Carefully transfer to the prepared baking dish.
4. Using the identical skillet, gently toast minced garlic until releasing its fragrant essence. Incorporate chicken broth, velvety heavy cream, and aged Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the mixture develops a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
5. Fold in vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves, allowing the greens to gently wilt and integrate with the creamy sauce.
6. Cascade the aromatic sauce completely over the positioned chicken in the baking dish, ensuring thorough coverage.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, confirming chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F with no pink remaining.
8. Finish by scattering delicate fresh basil leaves across the surface and present immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting Italian seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, understanding the sauce might be less rich and creamy.
• For gluten-free needs, ensure all ingredients like Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free and check seasoning labels.
• Consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and juicy meat, adjusting cooking time slightly to prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg