Craving something rich, creamy, and full of bold Italian flavors? This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution. Combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, this casserole is a comforting meal that’s simple to make yet sophisticated enough to serve to guests. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious, Italian-inspired casserole!
What Is Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that features baked chicken breasts or thighs in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This casserole takes inspiration from classic Tuscan flavors, combining savory, tangy, and creamy ingredients in one dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
Ingredients List for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups baby spinach (fresh)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped, packed in oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is versatile and can be customized with a few substitutions or additions:
- Chicken: You can use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier dish, or use a combination of breasts and thighs.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is optional but adds a great melty texture. You can also add other cheeses like fontina or Gruyère for more depth of flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
- Cream: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use half-and-half.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds freshness, but you can also use dried Italian herbs or even fresh thyme.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and spinach: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Set this mixture aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and whisk in the Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay the seared chicken breasts in the dish, then pour the sautéed spinach, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetables. If you’re adding mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the sauce is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
How to Cook Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap to ensure your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Sear the chicken to give it a golden crust.
- Sauté garlic and spinach to add flavor and richness to the casserole.
- Prepare the creamy sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the casserole by layering the chicken, spinach mixture, and sauce, then bake until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole:
- Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken in the skillet, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Searing for just a few minutes per side ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender.
- Using too much cream: While cream adds richness, too much can make the dish heavy. Stick to the recommended amounts to keep the sauce balanced and flavorful.
- Not seasoning enough: Don’t forget to season the sauce and chicken well. Parmesan cheese is salty, but you may still need to adjust the salt and pepper.
- Burning the garlic: Be sure to cook the garlic only for 30 seconds before adding the spinach. Garlic burns quickly and can become bitter if overcooked.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is already a complete meal, but here are some serving and presentation ideas to make it even better:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or thyme brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Serve with pasta or rice: This casserole pairs perfectly with cooked pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
How to Serve Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
This creamy casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but here are a few sides that complement it:
- Pasta: Serve with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for a complete Italian-style meal.
- Rice: Creamy risotto or simple steamed rice works well to soak up the sauce.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or zucchini add freshness and balance.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
Even though this is a casual dish, you can elevate the presentation with a few simple touches:
- Use a colorful dish: Bake and serve the casserole in a beautiful ceramic or glass dish to make the meal feel more special.
- Garnish with extra cheese and herbs: Top with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or fresh basil leaves for a polished look.
- Serve in individual portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve the chicken in individual plates or shallow bowls with the sauce drizzled over the top.
Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure your Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole comes out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
- Freeze leftovers: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
- Use quality ingredients: Since the flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan are key, be sure to use good-quality ingredients for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s been refrigerated.
Q: Can I freeze Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What kind of chicken works best?
A: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are common, but boneless thighs also work well and tend to stay juicier. You can also use a combination of the two.
Q: Can I make this dish lighter?
A: For a lighter version,
use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use milk with a little flour for thickening.
Conclusion
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or a cozy night at home. With tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and the delicious flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, it’s an irresistible meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a simple salad for a complete, satisfying meal. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the taste of Tuscany in your own kitchen!
PrintBaked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole is a delicious, creamy dish filled with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or special family dinner, this easy-to-make casserole brings bold Tuscan flavors to your table in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and cubed)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix heavy cream, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, serve the casserole with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- You can also add artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
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