Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish, this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is just what you need! Packed with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this casserole is a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Stick with me as I guide you through this simple but delicious recipe!

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What is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a hearty, savory dish that brings together the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and tender chicken in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish combines rich textures and flavors inspired by Tuscan cuisine, known for using high-quality, fresh ingredients. The creamy sauce melds all the components together, making every bite indulgent. This dish can be served as a standalone meal or paired with pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread.

Ingredients List for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each, cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 4 cups fresh spinach (about one 6-oz bag)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Tuscan Chicken Casserole recipe is versatile, allowing you to make several adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Chicken Thighs: You can swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Keto-Friendly: This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it keto-friendly! To reduce carbs further, use full-fat cream and full-fat cheeses for a more decadent and low-carb casserole.
• Add Mushrooms: For added depth of flavor and texture, you can sauté some mushrooms and add them to the casserole mixture.
• Pasta or Rice: If you want a more filling dish, add cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini) or rice to the casserole before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this comforting Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a large bowl, season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned but not fully cooked through (they will finish cooking in the oven). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). If there’s excess moisture from the spinach, drain it off to avoid a watery casserole.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let the sauce boil, as this can cause the cream to separate. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, spread the seared chicken evenly across the bottom. Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and sautéed spinach on top of the chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and spinach, making sure everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)), and the top is golden and bubbly. If you want a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Cook Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the process:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season and sear the chicken until lightly browned.
3. Sauté garlic and spinach in the same skillet.
4. Make the creamy Parmesan sauce.
5. Assemble the casserole with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and serve with fresh herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although this recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid for the perfect Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

• Overcooking the chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken during the searing step, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Lightly browning the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender.
• Too much liquid: If the spinach releases too much liquid, be sure to drain it off before adding it to the casserole. Excess moisture can make the casserole too watery.
• Not letting the casserole rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken, making the dish creamier.
• Using too little seasoning: Chicken breasts can be bland without proper seasoning. Don’t skimp on the spices to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making your Tuscan Chicken Casserole look as good as it tastes. Here are some ideas on how to serve and present this delicious dish.

How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• With Pasta: Serve the casserole over a bed of cooked pasta (like fettuccine, penne, or rotini) to make it a more filling meal.
• With Rice or Quinoa: Pair the dish with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread to scoop up the sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Balance out the richness with a light, fresh green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color.
• Top with extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth.
• Serve in a rustic dish or casserole pan for a more homestyle, Tuscan feel.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing Tip: This casserole freezes well! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to **thaw and squeeze out all

excess moisture** before adding it to the casserole to avoid a watery dish.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Q: Can I add pasta to this casserole?
A: Yes! You can stir in cooked pasta like penne or rotini into the casserole mixture before baking for a heartier meal. Just make sure the pasta is al dente before adding it to the dish.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, savory, and satisfying meal that brings together the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic in a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even special occasions. Simple yet flavorful, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Try it out tonight, and enjoy a taste of Tuscan-inspired comfort food!

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