If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and flavorful Italian-inspired meal, this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and luscious cheese, it’s a dish that brings warmth and richness to your dinner table. The melding of savory herbs and silky cream creates a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth casserole that’s unexpectedly simple to prepare yet impressively delicious. This casserole perfectly balances indulgence and wholesome ingredients, making it a dish you’ll want to share over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here is straightforward but plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole so special. From the juicy chicken chunks to the creamy sauce and spark of spinach, these essentials combine for a perfectly harmonious dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy pieces that soak up all the flavors wonderfully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors in every ingredient.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a hint of warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with classic herbaceous notes like oregano and basil.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Delivers aromatic depth and a subtle punch of flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1 cup, drained and chopped): Adds chewy texture and a bright, tangy sweetness.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups): Offers a pop of color and a healthy, slightly earthy balance.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luxuriously creamy base that holds everything together.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens the cream slightly while adding savory umami.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a salty, nutty complexity to the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts to a gooey, golden crust that’s pure comfort food heaven.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like a little spice.
How to Make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your workspace and the chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces, season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re aiming for a nice golden color on the outside without fully cooking the chicken through since it will finish baking later.
Step 3: Build aromatic layers
Once the chicken is lightly browned, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts slightly. This step wakes up the flavors beautifully, creating a vibrant base for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens just a bit, coating the chicken and vegetables with luscious creaminess.
Step 5: Assemble and bake
Transfer this flavorful mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese — this will melt into a bubbling, golden crust that’s so inviting. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is perfectly melted. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to let all the flavors settle together.
How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a lovely herbal brightness on top, enhancing the colors and flavors. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can add an elegant finish that really elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta work perfectly to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at a dinner party. You could also spoon the casserole over a bed of polenta or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free twist that impresses without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers incredibly satisfying.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger servings in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a little splash of chicken broth or cream if the dish seems dry, and cover with foil to keep the cheese from over-browning.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more moisture and flavor, making your casserole even juicier. Just make sure to cook them until fully done.
Is there a lighter version of this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Swap heavy cream with half-and-half and tone down the cheese a little for a lighter version without sacrificing the creamy texture you love.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free adaptation, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute Parmesan and mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free cheeses.
What can I serve this casserole with?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up all that savory sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to customize this casserole while keeping the Tuscan-inspired flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its irresistible creamy texture, vibrant ingredients, and straightforward preparation make it a fantastic meal for weeknights or special gatherings. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it quickly soar to the top of your favorite recipes – it’s truly that good!
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Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken chunks simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cream sauce, then baked with a golden layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, this gluten-free main course brings a delightful Tuscan-inspired flavor to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken chunks and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it is lightly browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes, but it does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Sauté Garlic and Veggies: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach has just wilted, stirring frequently to combine all ingredients well.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle the optional red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to cool slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Serve this casserole over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete and hearty meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly to cut calories and fat.
