Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together for a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this one-dish wonder is easy to prepare and sure to impress. If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner, this casserole is just the ticket!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing
  • Aluminum foil

Overview of Ingredients

  • Chicken Breast – Juicy and tender, forming the base of the casserole.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Add a tangy, sweet burst of flavor.
  • Spinach – Fresh baby spinach brings a vibrant, earthy balance.
  • Heavy Cream – For a creamy, luscious sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Adds savory, nutty depth.
  • Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs for Tuscan-inspired flavor.
  • Garlic and Onion – Essential aromatics to build flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese – Melty and gooey, perfect for topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken
Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.

Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Scatter 2 cups of fresh baby spinach over the top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread or over pasta.

Recipe Tips

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Add Veggies: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and color.
  • Lighten It Up: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake. Increase the baking time slightly if chilled.

What to Serve with Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. It’s also fantastic served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay tender during baking.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, use a non-dairy cream substitute and dairy-free cheese to adapt the recipe.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in a skillet until golden and transfer to the baking dish.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic in the skillet. Add sun-dried tomatoes, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Pour sauce over the chicken. Top with spinach and mozzarella cheese.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole, a dish that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist!

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together for a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in a skillet until golden and transfer to the baking dish.
  • Sauté onion and garlic in the skillet. Add sun-dried tomatoes, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
  • Pour sauce over the chicken. Top with spinach and mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Notes

Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

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