Description
Hearty Tuscan chicken casserole delivers Mediterranean comfort with rich herbs and creamy textures. Savory layers of chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts
Cheeses:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (30 grams) spinach
- 1/2 cup (65 grams) sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a delectable Tuscan-inspired culinary journey.
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet, gently awakening the garlic’s aromatic essence until fragrant and golden.
- Tenderly introduce fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, allowing them to gracefully wilt and release their vibrant green essence.
- Lovingly massage the chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring each piece is thoroughly embraced by the robust flavors.
- Carefully sear the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet, developing a rich, golden-brown crust that promises deep, caramelized notes.
- Artfully transfer the seared chicken to a welcoming casserole dish, nestling it alongside the wilted spinach.
- In a separate mixing bowl, orchestrate a symphony of cream cheese, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, nutty Parmesan, and melty Mozzarella, blending them into a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Generously cascade the decadent cheese mixture over the chicken and spinach, ensuring every crevice is lovingly coated.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness and the top achieves a tempting golden-brown perfection.
- Retrieve the bubbling, aromatic creation and serve immediately, inviting eager diners to savor the rich, comforting flavors of this Tuscan-inspired masterpiece.
Notes
- Pick chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Use fresh spinach for brighter color and more vibrant flavor compared to frozen alternatives.
- Create a low-carb version by replacing cream cheese with Greek yogurt and using less cheese for reduced calories.
- Keep extra sauce ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and herbs on hand to adjust flavor intensity according to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg