If you're searching for a hearty, flavorful meal that combines the comfort of a casserole with the rich, bold flavors of Tuscan cuisine, look no further! This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with vibrant ingredients, it's a recipe that’s sure to satisfy. Keep reading to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish from scratch, explore variations, learn tips for success, and avoid common mistakes to ensure your casserole comes out perfect every time.

What is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a savory, oven-baked dish that draws inspiration from the flavors of Tuscany, Italy. It combines tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and a luscious creamy sauce, all baked together to perfection. The dish is often topped with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, giving it a delicious, cheesy crust that’s hard to resist. This casserole is a one-pan meal, making it ideal for busy cooks who want to create a hearty dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients List for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
To create the ultimate Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – 1 cup, chopped (drain oil if using oil-packed)
- Fresh Spinach – 3 cups (or about 6 ounces of baby spinach)
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream – 1 ½ cups
- Cream Cheese – 4 oz, softened
- Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Chicken Broth – ½ cup (optional for thinning the sauce)
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
- Italian Seasoning – 1 tablespoon
- Red Pepper Flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional for a little kick)
- Salt and Pepper – To taste
Optional Ingredients:
- Mushrooms – 1 cup, sliced (for extra texture)
- Artichoke Hearts – ½ cup, drained and chopped
- Pasta – 8 oz of cooked penne or rigatoni can be added to make the dish even heartier.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best aspects of this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is how adaptable it is. Here are some substitutions and variations to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients:
Dairy-Free Version:
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Swap out mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Low-Carb Option:
- Omit pasta and keep the dish as is, or swap it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Protein Substitutions:
- Instead of chicken, try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Gluten-Free:
- Ensure that the ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
- Serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil to ensure easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Once done, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts down. If using optional ingredients like mushrooms or artichoke hearts, add them at this stage.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth (if using). Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with more salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes over the cooked chicken in the baking dish. Use a spatula to mix everything so that the chicken is coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. The cheese will create a golden, bubbly crust that adds richness to the dish.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
How to Cook Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish.
- Cook the chicken with olive oil and seasoning in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Sauté garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet.
- Prepare the creamy sauce using heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth.
- Combine chicken and sauce in the baking dish, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: If the chicken is cooked too long on the stove, it may become dry. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly in the oven, so it's okay if it's not fully browned on the stovetop.
- Too Much Liquid: Avoid adding too much chicken broth or cream, as it may make the casserole too runny.
- Undercooked Spinach: Make sure the spinach is fully wilted before adding it to the dish to avoid a watery casserole.
- Burnt Cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes to prevent the cheese from burning. Cover with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and can be served in many creative ways. Here are some ideas to help you serve and present it with style:
How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
- With Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Over Pasta: Serve the casserole over cooked pasta like penne or fettuccine for a hearty meal.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the dish.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or carrots would be great companions to this dish.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
- For a rustic look, serve the casserole directly from the baking dish on a wooden board.
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
- Extra Crispy Topping: Add breadcrumbs or panko mixed with Parmesan cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect meal for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
Can I freeze Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply shred it and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a slightly different flavor.
Conclusion
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making it a fantastic meal for family dinners or special gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s bursting with the flavors of Tuscany. Whether you’re sticking to the original recipe or trying out some of the substitutions and variations, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it out today and enjoy a taste of Italy right from your kitchen!
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole recipe combines juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and delivers bold Tuscan flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken breasts until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add spinach until wilted.
- Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, and seasonings until sauce is smooth.
- Place chicken in a casserole dish, pour sauce over it, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with pasta or a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
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