Description
Creamy Tuscan chicken casserole brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with rich, herbaceous ingredients. Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises to delight you with its hearty and satisfying blend of chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a casserole dish for the rich Tuscan-inspired chicken creation.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear in hot olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Reduce skillet heat and quickly toast minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce base that will envelop the chicken with creamy texture.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, oregano, and basil into the sauce, allowing ingredients to meld and spinach to gently wilt for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer seared chicken to the prepared casserole dish, generously coating each piece with the vibrant, herb-infused sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, verifying chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly version.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg