If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with Italian flavors and perfect for family gatherings, look no further than this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole! With juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach, this comforting casserole is an easy weeknight meal that will impress everyone at the table.
Budget Information
The total cost for this delicious Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is approximately $15.00, making it about $3.75 per serving (serves 4). This dish is a great way to enjoy a fulfilling meal without breaking the bank!
Why This Recipe Works
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a masterpiece of flavor and convenience! The creamy cheese sauce melds beautifully with tender chicken, while the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach bring vibrant brightness to each bite. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, meaning less cleanup for you after that delightful meal! What’s not to love about that?
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in creating a truly memorable casserole. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Core Ingredients List
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced – $5.00
- 8 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry – $1.50
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – $2.00
- ½ cup heavy cream – $1.50
- 3 tbsp minced garlic – $0.50
- ½ tsp kosher salt – $0.02
- 1 tsp onion powder – $0.10
- ½ tsp chili powder – $0.05
- ½ tsp black pepper – $0.05
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning – $0.10
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – $1.50
- 8 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped – $3.00
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – $1.50
- 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped – $0.50
- Non-stick cooking spray for greasing – $0.20
Optional Add-Ins
- Additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
- Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for a twist
- Crushed red pepper for spice
- Different cheese varieties like gouda or cheddar for extra richness
These ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed dish that will surely become a family favorite!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Ready to create a dish that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas? Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, grab your boneless chicken breasts and slice them into thin cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Once sliced, place them in a large baking dish and season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Remember, seasoning is key to flavorful chicken!
Step 2: Now, let’s make that creamy sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant – my favorite part! Next, pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir the mixture until everything melds into a luscious sauce. Keep whisking until it’s smooth; let it bubble gently, as this will help thicken it a bit. This should take about 3 minutes.
Step 3: With the sauce well on its way, it’s time to enhance it! Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors combine beautifully. You’ll know it’s perfect when it gets that decadently rich texture that makes your mouth water.
Step 4: Now, pour that heavenly sauce directly over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish, ensuring it covers all the pieces. Don’t forget to sprinkle the thawed spinach over the top to add color and nutrients! It’s like a little green blanket for your casserole. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better!
Step 5: Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes for a golden and bubbly top. Once it’s done, cool it slightly and garnish with fresh parsley. Your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is ready to serve!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 494
- Protein: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 7.6g
- Total Fats: 15.4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! You can store your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to save it for longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to the casserole to keep it moist and delicious. Just pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread for that perfect Italian touch. You can also enjoy it with a side of pasta—fettuccine or gnocchi soak up that creamy sauce beautifully. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this flavor explosion!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
As you get ready to whip up your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole, here are a few tips for success: make sure to thaw and squeeze the spinach well—nobody wants a watery casserole! Feel free to customize with the veggies and spices you love. And don’t skip on letting the dish rest after coming out of the oven; this helps the casserole set up nicely and makes every scoop perfect!
Recipe FAQs
How long does it take to prepare this casserole? It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking time.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs can give you a richer, juicier dish and would work perfectly here.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prep it in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it right before serving.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to use an airtight container.
Can I add additional vegetables? Yes! Feel free to toss in veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes for more texture and flavor.
