Creamy Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Creamy Tuscan Chicken Casserole with this easy baking recipe. Featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a rich garlic cream sauce, all topped with melty cheese for a restaurant-quality dish you can prepare ahead.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">750g boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5cm cubes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">125g sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g fresh spinach leaves</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp Italian seasoning</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">400ml double cream (heavy cream)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g cream cheese, softened</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">75g parmesan cheese, freshly grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g mozzarella cheese, grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh basil for garnish</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 425 calories

🥑 Fat: 28 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 15 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 12 g

🍭 Sugar: 5 g

🍗 Protein: 32 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 125 mg

🧂 Sodium: 580 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">30cm x 23cm (12 x 9-inch) baking dish</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large deep skillet or sauté pan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Chef's knife</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Lightly grease a 30cm x 23cm baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray and set aside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the outside but not completely cooked through (it will finish cooking in the oven). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn as this will create bitterness in your sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute to release the flavors. The fragrant oils from the tomatoes will infuse the dish with rich, Mediterranean flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Reduce heat to medium-low and add the double cream, stirring constantly. Add the softened cream cheese in small pieces, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. This creates a smooth base for your sauce - if you notice any lumps, use a whisk to blend them in. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon - if it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until each addition wilts into the sauce. The spinach will significantly reduce in volume as it cooks, releasing some water that will help balance the sauce consistency. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Return the browned chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat each piece in the creamy sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Top evenly with the grated mozzarella cheese. The cheese will create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For an extra golden top, switch to the grill/broiler for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle. The internal temperature should reach 74°C for food safety. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4> Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving. The heat from the casserole will release the aromatic oils in the basil, adding a fresh note to contrast with the rich, creamy sauce. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or a simple green salad to complete the meal. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Casserole?

This indulgent casserole features chicken breast cubes, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs in a luxurious sauce made from double cream and cream cheese, all topped with mozzarella and parmesan for that perfect golden finish.

How to cook Creamy Tuscan Chicken Casserole at home?

Learn how to cook Creamy Tuscan Chicken Casserole by first searing chicken cubes until golden, then creating a rich sauce with garlic, onions, and cream. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, and parmesan before transferring everything to a baking dish, topping with mozzarella, and baking until bubbling and golden at 190°C for 20-25 minutes.

Can I make this Italian-inspired casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Complete all steps up to the baking stage, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake for 25-30 minutes until hot throughout and bubbling.

What sides pair well with a creamy chicken and sun-dried tomato bake?

This rich casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its creaminess. Try crusty garlic bread, al dente pasta, steamed green vegetables, a crisp salad with vinaigrette, or roasted Mediterranean vegetables. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

How can I adapt this creamy casserole for dietary restrictions?

For a lighter version, use half-fat cream cheese and single cream instead of double. Make it gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For dairy-free options, substitute plant-based cream, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and coconut cream for cream cheese.

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