Name: Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (454 g) skinless, boneless chicken breast; 3 small or 2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 3 cups / 360 g); 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach; 1 cup (150 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; ½ cup (65 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped; 1 shallot, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil; 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano leaves; 1 tsp (1 g) dried basil leaves; 1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5 g) salt; ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper; ½ tsp (1 g) paprika; ¼ tsp (0.5 g) red pepper flakes; 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; ⅛ cup (5 g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving something hearty yet fresh and bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, you’re going to adore this Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe. It combines tender chicken breast with a colorful medley of zucchini, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes, all seasoned with classic Italian herbs and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. The result is a delightful, wholesome casserole that’s as comforting as it is visually stunning, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board sits on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of fresh ingredients. The first layer, on the left side, shows sliced green zucchini, arranged in overlapping circles. Next to the zucchini is a layer of bright red grape tomatoes, packed tightly together. On the right side of the board, there is a layer of cooked, dark brown, textured meat pieces. Around the board, several ingredients are placed: a metal grater with freshly grated white garlic on top, a small shallot above the grater, a few garlic cloves to the left, and a bunch of green parsley leaves at the top right. Below the board, there are finely chopped green herbs and two whole zucchinis on the white marbled background. A knife with a wooden handle rests at the bottom of the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. These simple but essential components come together effortlessly to give you a mouthwatering Tuscan feast in casserole form.

Skinless, boneless chicken breast: The lean protein base that cooks tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors.
Zucchini: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and beautiful green color to brighten the dish.
Fresh spinach: A tender leafy green that wilts into the casserole, delivering nutrients and earthiness.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Provide a burst of juiciness and acidity to balance the richness.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Concentrated flavor boosters with a rich, tangy, slightly sweet note.
Shallot: Mellow and sweet, it elevates the aroma and depth of the casserole.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with savory warmth.
Olive oil: Used to coat ingredients and enhance the Mediterranean flair.
Dried oregano and basil leaves: Classic herbs that tie the dish together with aromatic complexity.
Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes: A carefully balanced blend of seasonings for a gentle kick and rounded flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded on top for gooey, melty goodness that pulls beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that crisps up when baked.
Chopped fresh parsley: A vibrant garnish that adds a fresh, herbaceous note to every bite.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked casserole with a golden, bubbly cheese topping, so the timing is just right to produce that irresistible crust.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Into a 2.5-quart (11×7-inch or 28×18 cm) baking dish, add the chicken, sliced zucchini, fresh spinach, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced shallot, minced garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure each bite will be richly seasoned.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the vegetable and chicken mixture. These cheeses will melt beautifully, creating that luscious golden crust that makes any casserole unforgettable.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This step gently cooks the chicken and vegetables, locking in moisture and letting flavors meld without drying out.

Step 5: Bake Uncovered and Broil

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This browns the cheese slightly. Then, turn the oven to broil on high and carefully broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes, watching every 20 seconds until the cheese turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final step adds irresistible texture and deep flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and fresh aroma. If you like, finish with an extra pinch of oregano, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste buds even more.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe

The dish is a baked vegetable casserole in a white baking dish, layered with sliced green zucchini with a soft texture and round shape, scattered whole roasted red cherry tomatoes with a slightly wrinkled skin, and covered by melted golden brown cheese that looks creamy and bubbly. The casserole is garnished with chopped green herbs sprinkled on top, and some small dried herbs are visible on the cheese’s surface. The background is a white marbled surface with a white cloth and a green zucchini nearby, adding to the fresh kitchen feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch that brightens each serving of this casserole. For an extra layer of flavor, consider a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving. These little details elevate both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also a dreamy side, perfect for soaking up every delicious bit of sauce and melted cheese you’ll find on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cocottes, topped with fresh herbs and a tiny drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil. You can also layer the casserole with thin slices of roasted eggplant or bell pepper for even more color and texture, bringing your favorite Tuscan flavors to life in a visually stunning way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain that perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until thoroughly warmed and the cheese bubbles again. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the casserole’s crisp, cheesy topping.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan work wonderfully here, you can experiment with fontina, provolone, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a different twist on the flavor profile.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your spices and seasonings do not contain any gluten additives. Always check the labels to be sure.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, or add plant-based protein such as tofu or chickpeas, to keep it filling and delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a gentle warmth from paprika and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your personal preference, making it mild or fiery as you like.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken for even cooking?

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks or thin strips so they cook evenly and absorb the flavors thoroughly throughout the casserole.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe. It’s a heartwarming, flavorful dish that effortlessly brings the best of Italian-inspired cooking to your table, using fresh, wholesome ingredients and simple steps. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this casserole will quickly become a new favorite — so grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a cozy, delicious meal!