Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

Craving something hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious? Look no further than this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe! This dish combines tender chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce all baked to bubbly perfection. It's a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that's easy to make and loaded with Tuscan-inspired flavors. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd. Follow along for the step-by-step recipe and tips on how to make this delicious casserole.

What is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. The dish gets its "Tuscan" name from the use of Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, creating a flavor profile reminiscent of classic Italian cuisine. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or as a comfort meal for special gatherings. Serve it with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Ingredients List for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

For the Chicken Casserole:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

These ingredients combine to create a creamy, flavorful casserole that’s loaded with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The Parmesan and mozzarella give the dish a cheesy richness that’s irresistible.

Ingredients List for Optional Add-ins and Sides

While Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is delicious on its own, you can add extras to customize the dish or serve it with sides to make it a complete meal:

• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
• Pasta: Serve the casserole over pasta like penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a hearty meal.
• Rice or Potatoes: Pair the casserole with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with garlic bread or warm baguette slices to scoop up every last bit of the sauce.

These sides and add-ins will round out the meal and complement the Tuscan flavors in the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be easily adapted based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Low-Carb/Keto Option: Use heavy cream and serve the casserole with cauliflower rice or steamed veggies for a low-carb version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and substitute the cheese with a dairy-free version or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and replace it with more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu for a vegetarian casserole.
• Spice Variations: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

These variations allow you to adapt the recipe based on your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and mostly cooked through (the chicken will finish cooking in the oven). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spinach

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (or in a small saucepan), combine the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Place the seared chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Top with the sautéed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). If desired, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden topping.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the steps for making Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Sear the chicken until browned and mostly cooked through.
3. Sauté the garlic, tomatoes, and spinach in the same skillet.
4. Make the creamy Parmesan sauce by combining cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan.
5. Assemble the casserole, layering the chicken, sauce, and sautéed vegetables.
6. Top with mozzarella and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and serve with fresh herbs and your favorite sides.

This method ensures tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and a perfectly cheesy topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is straightforward, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily if overcooked. Make sure to brown the chicken briefly in the skillet and finish cooking it in the oven, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.
• Curdling the Cream: If the heat is too high, the cream sauce may curdle. Keep the heat at medium when making the sauce, and stir frequently to prevent curdling.
• Skipping the Searing Step: Searing the chicken locks in juices and adds flavor, so don’t skip this step before assembling the casserole.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked chicken and a smooth, creamy sauce every time.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some ideas:

How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• With Pasta or Rice: Serve the casserole over a bed of cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With Vegetables: Pair the casserole with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for a balanced meal.
• With Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette slices for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

• Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color.
• Serve on a large platter with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
• Add extra grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes at the table for added flavor and visual appeal.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Double the Recipe: This casserole is great for meal prep or feeding a crowd. You can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish, or divide it into two smaller casseroles—one to eat now and one to freeze for later.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and follow the baking instructions.
• Extra Creamy: If you love a saucier dish, you can add an extra ½ cup of heavy cream or chicken broth to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to be more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

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

Conclusion

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. With its combination of tender chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread, this casserole delivers big on flavor and comfort. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

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