Tuscan Chicken Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy Delight

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than this Tuscan Chicken Casserole! This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. This recipe provides detailed steps to guide you to cook this delicious Tuscan chicken casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Casserole

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and parmesan cheese creates a symphony of Tuscan flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to put together, requiring minimal prep time and effort.
* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or cheeses.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This casserole is always a hit with family and friends, making it perfect for potlucks or dinner parties.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the recipe, gather these ingredients:

* **Chicken:** 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Spinach:** 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded.
* **Optional:** Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish.

## Equipment

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Tuscan Chicken Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
2. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly. This helps to build a base flavor and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned throughout.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken**

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Sautéing the onion first releases its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Browning the chicken adds color and flavor.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Do not discard the juices in the skillet, as they will add flavor to the sauce.

**Step 3: Create the Creamy Tuscan Sauce**

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to release their flavor and infuse the oil.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. The chicken broth adds moisture and flavor, while the heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce.
3. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

**Step 4: Add Spinach and Parmesan Cheese**

1. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Spinach adds nutrients and a slightly earthy flavor to the dish.
2. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce further.

**Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts properly.
2. Pour the creamy Tuscan sauce with spinach and parmesan cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly over the bottom of the dish.
3. Arrange the cooked chicken cubes over the sauce. Distribute the chicken evenly so that each serving gets a good portion.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy layer to the casserole.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent the cheese from burning. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and the flavors to meld together further.

**Step 7: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish with fresh basil, chopped, if desired. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma to the dish.
2. Serve the Tuscan Chicken Casserole hot, either on its own or with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Pasta or rice can soak up the delicious sauce, while crusty bread is perfect for dipping.

## Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Casserole

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the casserole. Use fresh spinach, good quality sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through to prevent it from drying out.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
* **Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have a richer flavor than dry-packed ones. Drain the oil before chopping the tomatoes.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Time:** Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Make it Healthier:** Substitute light cream cheese for some of the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Cheese:** Use other cheeses like provolone, asiago, or fontina for a different flavor profile.
* **Different Protein:** Substitute chicken with sausage, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Pasta:** Toss cooked pasta directly into the casserole before baking for a complete one-dish meal. Penne, rotini, or farfalle work well.
* **Cream Cheese:** Add a block of cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness and creaminess.
* **Pesto:** Swirl in a spoonful of pesto to the sauce for added flavor.
* **Artichoke Hearts:** Add chopped artichoke hearts for a briny and slightly tangy flavor.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and acidity.
* **Kalamata Olives:** Add sliced Kalamata olives for a salty and savory flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve with a side of pasta, rice, or quinoa.
* Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
* Serve with a simple green salad.
* Serve as a main course for a potluck or dinner party.
* Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
* Make it a complete meal by adding a side of garlic bread.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

## Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Please note that nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional: Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes.
7. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
8. Pour sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange chicken over sauce.
9. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious Tuscan Chicken Casserole!

This Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and simple preparation make it a perfect meal for any occasion. From busy weeknights to special gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of this Tuscan Chicken Casserole!