Description
Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with rich, comforting ingredients. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach combine in this easy one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Liquids and Seasoning:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish for the Tuscan-inspired chicken creation.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, quickly searing chicken breasts until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Combine rich heavy cream with fragrant garlic, aged Parmesan, and aromatic Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl, creating a luxurious sauce.
- Arrange the seared chicken as the foundation in the baking dish, generously distributing fresh spinach leaves and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes across the surface.
- Cascade the creamy Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
- Liberally sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the entire dish, creating a melty, golden blanket.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches perfect doneness and the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and settle before serving.
Notes
- Opt for thin chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness during baking.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains creamy texture.
- For gluten-free option, use arrowroot powder instead of traditional flour when creating sauce consistency.
- Boost protein content by adding extra lean protein like white beans or diced grilled tofu alongside chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 468 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg