Description
Mouthwatering Tuscan chicken casserole brings Mediterranean flavors to home kitchens with creamy, herb-infused comfort. Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes create a rich, satisfying meal you will savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cubed
Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté cubed chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Create a luxurious sauce by whisking together heavy cream, grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until smooth and well-combined.
- Gently fold fresh spinach into the chicken skillet, allowing leaves to wilt and incorporate with the meat for 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter, then transfer the chicken and spinach mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage and distribution of ingredients.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a rich and melty surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and sauce bubbles around the edges.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Opt for chicken breasts pounded evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie version that maintains creamy texture.
- Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to intensify their rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Experiment with alternative greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutritional variety and unique taste dimensions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg