Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a comforting, rich dish filled with tender chicken, creamy sauce, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally)

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

  • ¾ cup heavy cream

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

  • ¾ cup finely grated mozzarella cheese (divided)

  • 8 oz sun-dried tomatoes (well-drained and finely chopped, with reserved oil)

  • ¾ cup fresh spinach (coarsely chopped)

  • Kosher salt (to taste)

  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

  2. Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make thinner fillets. Place them in a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic.

  3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth. Add the remaining garlic, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the grated parmesan and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken fillets. Drizzle the reserved sun-dried tomato oil over the mixture and scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the dish.

  5. Bake the Chicken: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  6. Add Final Ingredients: Remove the foil, stir in the spinach, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.

  7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrients

This rich and creamy casserole is a filling, protein-packed dish with the following approximate nutritional values per serving:

  • Calories: 450-500 kcal

  • Protein: 40g

  • Fat: 30g

  • Carbohydrates: 7g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on cheese and seasoning)

The Importance of Chicken Breasts in This Casserole

Chicken breasts are the perfect choice for this casserole due to their mild flavor and lean protein content. By slicing the chicken breasts horizontally, you create thinner fillets that cook quickly and evenly, ensuring the casserole doesn’t dry out. The chicken absorbs the creamy sauce, becoming tender and juicy, which is essential for a dish like this where the sauce is just as important as the protein.

The chicken serves as a neutral base for the rich flavors of the sauce, allowing ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese to shine without overwhelming the meat. Additionally, chicken breasts are a versatile option that works well with the blend of cheeses and seasonings in this casserole, making it a balanced and hearty meal for everyone to enjoy.

The Role of the Creamy Sauce

One of the standout features of Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is its creamy sauce, which binds all the ingredients together. The combination of softened cream cheese and heavy cream creates a rich and velvety base that coats the chicken perfectly. The cream cheese provides a tangy depth of flavor, while the heavy cream ensures the sauce remains smooth and indulgent.

The addition of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses enhances the creaminess of the sauce, creating a cheesy and comforting texture. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor that complements the richness of the cream, while mozzarella contributes to the overall creaminess and provides a gooey texture when melted. This sauce brings the dish together, making every bite a creamy, flavorful experience.

Flavor Enhancements with Garlic, Spices, and Herbs

Garlic, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning are the key spices and herbs that give the sauce its depth of flavor. Garlic adds a savory, aromatic punch that enhances the richness of the cream, while the onion powder and paprika provide subtle warmth and earthiness to the dish.

Italian seasoning, which often includes a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, brings a touch of Mediterranean flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce and the chicken. This combination of garlic and herbs gives the casserole its distinct and comforting taste, making it feel like a true Italian-inspired dish.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adding Tang and Umami

Sun-dried tomatoes are another essential component of this casserole, offering a burst of tangy, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavor. They bring a deeper layer of flavor to the dish, cutting through the richness of the cream and cheeses. The dried tomatoes also provide a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

The sun-dried tomatoes also contribute to the Mediterranean feel of the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Drizzling the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over the casserole adds another dimension of flavor, ensuring the dish is both aromatic and satisfying. The oil carries the essence of the tomatoes, infusing the entire dish with an additional layer of richness.

Fresh Spinach: A Boost of Nutrients and Color

Fresh spinach plays an important role in Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole, adding both nutrition and color. Spinach is a low-calorie vegetable that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and folate. By adding spinach to the casserole, you increase the nutritional value of the dish, making it a healthier option without compromising on flavor.

Spinach also brings a slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce, balancing the overall flavor profile. As the casserole bakes, the spinach wilts into the sauce, absorbing some of the flavors while maintaining its vibrant green color, which adds visual appeal to the finished dish.

The Baking Process: Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Cheese

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole requires two stages of baking to achieve the perfect texture. The first stage involves baking the chicken in the creamy sauce covered with foil. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through and absorbs the flavors of the sauce. It also helps to keep the chicken moist and tender during the initial cooking process.

In the second stage, the foil is removed, and the casserole is baked uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the mozzarella cheese to melt and become golden and bubbly, creating a deliciously cheesy crust on top. During this time, the spinach wilts, adding to the dish’s texture and flavor. The result is a beautifully golden, cheesy casserole with tender chicken and a creamy sauce that’s irresistible.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences or dietary needs. For a simple and traditional approach, serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The bread also adds a nice crunch that contrasts with the smooth texture of the casserole.

Another great option is to serve the casserole over a bed of rice or pasta. The creamy sauce will coat the rice or pasta, turning it into a satisfying side dish that complements the chicken. Alternatively, pair the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, to balance out the richness of the dish with something light and fresh.

For a low-carb option, serve the casserole with a side of cauliflower rice or a green salad. The crisp freshness of the salad will contrast well with the creamy casserole, providing a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness.

Health Benefits of Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole

While Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a rich and indulgent dish, it also provides some nutritional benefits. Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. They also provide important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and selenium, which support overall health.

The spinach adds a nutrient-dense component to the dish, packed with vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your immune system, bone health, and more. The cream and cheeses provide healthy fats, while the sun-dried tomatoes contribute antioxidants that support heart health and fight inflammation. By using quality ingredients and fresh vegetables, this casserole is a more balanced, nutritious meal compared to many other rich dishes.

Conclusion

Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a delicious, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines the best of comfort food with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and blend of cheeses make this casserole a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy gathering, or meal prep, it’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and nutritional benefits, Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a dish that offers the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesomeness, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal.

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