Description
Mouthwatering Tuscan Chicken Casserole invites home cooks on a culinary journey through Italian countryside flavors. Rich layers of chicken, herbs, and creamy sauce promise a comforting meal that connects family around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Herbs, Spices, and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking environment.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing for chicken preparation.
- Apply seasonings of salt, pepper, and garlic powder generously to chicken breasts.
- Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until achieving a golden-brown exterior, ensuring partial cooking without complete doneness.
- Extract chicken from skillet and temporarily reserve.
- Utilize the same skillet to introduce sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, sautéing until spinach becomes delicately wilted.
- Incorporate heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes into the skillet.
- Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to develop a slightly thickened consistency.
- Transfer partially cooked chicken into a prepared greased casserole dish.
- Lavishly pour the creamy herb-infused sauce over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for safe consumption.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley to enhance visual appeal and flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and sauce consistency.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs or tenders for varied texture and flavor preferences.
- Replace heavy cream and cheeses with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant diners.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or salt-free seasoning blends to control salt intake without compromising taste.
- Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg