Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is your go-to comfort dish with a Mediterranean flair. It's a delicious blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the freshness of spinach and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti serves as the hearty base of this casserole, soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce. Olive oil is used to cook the chicken, adding a subtle, fruity aroma. The chicken breast, when diced and seasoned, becomes tender and juicy, providing a satisfying protein punch. Salt and black pepper are your essential seasonings, enhancing the overall taste.

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy burst to each bite, while garlic adds a savory depth. Fresh spinach contributes a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. Heavy cream makes the sauce indulgently creamy, and mozzarella along with Parmesan cheese create that irresistible cheesy top layer. Lastly, Italian seasoning ties everything together with its aromatic blend of herbs.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
  • Don't overcook the spaghetti; it will continue to soften in the oven.
  • For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • If you like it extra cheesy, feel free to add more mozzarella!

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty garlic bread. A chilled glass of white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy sauce beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti will add a bit more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole in an airtight container for up to three months.

Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, get a pot of water boiling and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it's done, drain it and set it aside. Now, grab your large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat.

Next, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with salt and black pepper, and cook until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through — this should take about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and the minced garlic, letting them cook for a couple of minutes until their flavors meld beautifully.

Now, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it around until it wilts down, which will only take a minute or two. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently until it starts to thicken slightly. At this point, your kitchen should smell absolutely divine!

Combine the cooked spaghetti with the chicken mixture in the skillet, making sure everything is well mixed. Transfer it all into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Finish with a dash of Italian seasoning to add a final touch of flavor.

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake it for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cleanup.
  • A delightful combination of creamy and savory flavors.
  • Family-friendly and perfect for picky eaters.
  • Can be made ahead for meal prep.
  • Brings the taste of Italy directly to your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, salt, and pepper; cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Stir in heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened.
7. Combine cooked spaghetti with the chicken mixture; mix well.
8. Pour into a greased casserole dish.
9. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
11. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

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