Name: Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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A creamy and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich sauce, all baked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole brings together the warm, comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in an easy-to-prepare dish. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and nutritious spinach all swimming in a creamy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. It's impressive enough for company but simple enough for weeknight dinners. Plus, it's a complete meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts form the protein foundation of this dish, becoming tender and juicy as they bake in the creamy sauce. They absorb all the wonderful Tuscan flavors while cooking.

Olive oil helps to sear the chicken properly, creating a golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds flavor before the baking process begins.

Garlic powder and onion powder provide aromatic depth without the need to chop fresh aromatics, making this recipe more convenient while still delivering big flavor.

Dried oregano brings an essential herbal note that's characteristic of Italian cuisine, infusing the entire dish with its earthy fragrance.

Salt and black pepper are essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish and properly seasoning the chicken.

Sun-dried tomatoes contribute intense, sweet-tart flavor and a chewy texture that punctuates the creamy sauce. Their concentrated flavor is a signature element of Tuscan cuisine.

Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the cream and cheese. It wilts down beautifully into the sauce.

Heavy cream creates the luxurious base for the sauce, bringing all the elements together with its silky texture and rich flavor.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty dimension to the sauce as it melts in, thickening it slightly while adding depth of flavor.

Mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible melty, stretchy top layer that browns beautifully in the oven and makes this casserole so satisfying.

Fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic finish that lifts the whole dish with its distinctive flavor, adding freshness to the rich casserole.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the creamy tomato-spinach sauce over the chicken.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner. The preparation takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time, with an additional 30 minutes of baking time, bringing the total time to approximately 45 minutes. Each serving contains around 420 calories, making it a satisfying but reasonable main course option.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired twist.

Spicy Tuscan: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce and add some spicy Italian sausage alongside the chicken for heat lovers.

Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, and use part-skim mozzarella to reduce calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the vegetable content and create even more flavor and texture.

Herbed Version: Enhance the flavor profile with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage for an aromatic variation.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead meal.

Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze without the fresh basil garnish and add that after reheating.

Reheating: For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Meal Prep: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even juicier meat. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through completely.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a breast - the meat should be opaque and white throughout with no pink remaining.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version. The flavor profile will change slightly but will still be delicious.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers make a good substitute. Alternatively, you could use fresh cherry tomatoes, though they'll create a lighter, less concentrated flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

Yes, use skinless chicken breasts, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also increase the proportion of vegetables to make it more filling while reducing calories.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it over pasta, rice, or with roasted potatoes.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and then bake when needed. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

What if I don't have fresh basil?

While fresh basil adds a wonderful aromatic quality, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil added to the sauce. Alternatively, fresh parsley makes a good garnish substitute.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thawed and well-drained frozen spinach works well. Use about ½ cup of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) to replace the 2 cups of fresh spinach.

How can I make the sauce thicker if it seems too thin?

If your sauce needs thickening, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering sauce before adding the chicken back in.

Conclusion

This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole brings the warm, inviting flavors of Italian countryside cooking to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and nutritious spinach in a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a complete meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you're serving a family dinner, entertaining guests, or preparing meals for the week ahead, this versatile casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooked comfort. The balance of protein, vegetables, and indulgent creaminess makes this a satisfying dish that will quickly become a requested favorite in your recipe collection.