Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole (Print Version)

Richly flavored baked chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, spinach, and cheese topping.

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
13 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
16 - 2 cups baby spinach
17 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
18 - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
03 - Season both sides of the boneless skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
05 - In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
07 - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
08 - Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
09 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken, chopped fresh basil, and baby spinach.
10 - Add the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce mixture to the bowl with the chicken and spinach, stirring everything together until well combined.
11 - Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
12 - Dollop the ricotta cheese on top of the chicken mixture, spreading it out with a spoon. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
13 - Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top for added flavor.
14 - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
15 - Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.