This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that transports your taste buds straight to Italy. Featuring juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a medley of Italian seasonings, this dish brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. With its simple preparation and a perfect blend of ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends.
Why We Love This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe
You’ll adore this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole not only for its incredible taste but also for its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe’s straightforward steps make it accessible for everyone. Imagine a busy weeknight where you can whip up a delicious dinner in no time, or a Sunday feast where you can impress your guests with minimal effort! The combination of creamy sauces and savory spices creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, with the addition of fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, you’re sneaking in nutrients without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients about Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
To create this flavorful Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
How to Make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Directions
Creating this scrumptious Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a simple and straightforward process that will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take your chicken breasts and carefully slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. This not only helps them cook more evenly but also allows the flavors to infuse beautifully. Season both sides of the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Once seasoned, arrange the chicken breasts side by side in a greased baking dish. This allows the chicken to stay juicy and absorb the flavors from other ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your sauce, which adds richness to the casserole.
- To the cream mixture, stir in the onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This combination of flavors creates a savory profile that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. This step is essential for achieving that delicious, creamy texture.
- Drizzle the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over the entire dish. Following that, scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly across the top. These will infuse a tangy flavor that beautifully contrasts with the creaminess.
- Now, cover your baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 20 minutes, during which the chicken will cook through and the flavors will merge nicely.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the top of the casserole. This not only adds a pop of color but also boosts the nutritional value of your dish.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the spinach and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
Serving your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is as easy as enjoying the dish itself. Once it comes out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions. You can serve this casserole directly from the baking dish for a rustic and homey appeal. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. This dish is best enjoyed warm and can be topped with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for added flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to impress.
Expert Tips: Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and easily manageable recipe. Should you prefer a juicier option, chicken thighs also work well in this casserole.
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This makes it easier to combine with the heavy cream and other ingredients, ensuring a smooth sauce.
- Customize Flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them briefly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through.
- Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final baking stage to prevent the cheese from over-browning. You want it to be golden and melted but not burnt.
How to Store Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
After you’ve enjoyed your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole, you can easily store the leftovers for future enjoyment. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it before baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This makes meal prep a breeze!
Variation of Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
While the original recipe is delicious, feel free to explore variations that suit your taste. For instance, you might consider swapping the chicken for turkey or using a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different cheeses; for example, substituting feta for some of the mozzarella can add a tangy twist.
Additionally, you could enhance the dish by adding cooked pasta or rice before baking for a heartier meal. Transform it into a one-pot dish by layering cooked pasta beneath the chicken and creamy sauce prior to baking. Not only will this variation be a filling option, but it also saves on cleanup.
FAQ
What is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasonings, creating a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
How can I make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole healthier?
You can make this casserole healthier by using lean chicken breast, full-fat cream, or opting for low-fat cheese options and incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Can I freeze Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and freeze it before baking. Just be sure to cover it well, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking it.
Is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be portioned out for easy meal prep during the week.
How can I enhance the flavor of Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
Enhance the flavor by adding your favorite spices, herbs, or vegetables. You can also switch cheeses or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat to customize the dish to your liking.
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally Boneless and skinless preferred
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper, to taste For seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened At room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in a greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Drizzle oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and add chopped fresh spinach on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the spinach and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until fully cooked.
Serving
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions.
- Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic appeal, optionally pairing with a salad or garlic bread.
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