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Easy Creamy Tuscan White Bean Chicken Casserole

creamy tuscan white bean chicken casserole - featured image

A comforting and creamy Tuscan-inspired chicken casserole with white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Brown chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. Add drained white beans, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, remaining Italian seasoning, and fresh herbs. Let the mixture thicken over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy bean mixture. Spoon sauce over the top.
  9. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and sauce is bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thin before baking, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir in to thicken. Avoid overcooking chicken on stovetop to keep it juicy. Rinse canned beans to reduce metallic taste and excess sodium. Use fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. This casserole can be made dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a vegan alternative. It is naturally gluten-free but check broth ingredients for additives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, white bean casserole, family dinner recipe, easy chicken dinner, Tuscan white bean chicken, creamy Tuscan chicken