Print

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
Print Recipe

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a luscious sauce of cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this casserole combines classic Tuscan flavors with simple preparation for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Cream

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Pantry & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Spinach: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, softening the texture and bringing out sweetness.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the spinach mixture. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Don’t skip searing the chicken to add depth and caramelized flavor.
  • Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and optimal wilted texture.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, silkier sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after baking to taste.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to improve texture and flavor integration.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach casserole, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/baked-tuscan-chicken-casserole/