Description
Baked Tuscan chicken casserole blends Italian countryside flavors with comforting home-style cooking. Creamy herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a memorable Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and cubed)
Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until silky and uniform.
- Incorporate cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach into the sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top, creating a rich, golden coverage.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble and the cheese turns a golden-brown color.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving hot.
Notes
- Enhance the dish’s nutrition by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
- Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Boost vegetable content by adding extra spinach or incorporating roasted zucchini and bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
- Experiment with protein variations like shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based chicken substitutes for diverse dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg