The Best Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Tucked away in the heart of my kitchen, a tuscan chicken broccoli bake promises comfort and flavor in every single bite.

My love for hearty casseroles sparked this delightful creation.

Creamy textures and robust herbs dance together, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a warm embrace.

Layers of tender chicken mingle with vibrant broccoli florets, all nestled beneath a golden, crispy topping.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this dish delivers with its rustic Italian-inspired charm.

Cheese melts into every crevice, promising a meal that will make you swoon.

We’re about to embark on a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake: Italian-Inspired Comfort

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without hours of kitchen prep.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like chicken, cheese, and tomatoes, this dish offers something for everyone while sneaking in nutritious broccoli for a balanced dinner.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet and a baking dish means less washing up, making this recipe a dream for anyone who dreads post-meal kitchen chaos.
• Versatile Meal Superstar: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adding extra vegetables, this bake works great for casual family dinners or casual entertaining.

What Layers Up Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main body of the dish, choose boneless skinless breasts for best texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the casserole together, provides additional protein.

• Cottage Cheese: Creamy base that adds moisture and protein, select full-fat version for richer flavor.
• Mozzarella (Shredded and Mini Balls): Melty cheese that provides stretch and golden top, use fresh if possible.
• Parmesan: Adds sharp, salty depth to the overall dish, freshly grated recommended.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture, select bright green florets.
• Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor, cherry or roma varieties work best.
• Pesto: Herbal sauce that infuses Italian-style flavor, store-bought or homemade works well.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
• Chili Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb for final fresh touch.

Cooking Method for Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend eggs, cottage cheese, and pesto until smooth and well-combined.

Let this mixture sit and mingle while you prep other ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until it’s tender but still has a slight crunch.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken with salt.

Add another splash of olive oil to the same skillet.

Cook chicken until it turns golden brown and develops a beautiful sear, about 5 minutes per side.

Step 5: Combine the Goodness

Fold the cooked chicken, broccoli, diced tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella into the creamy egg mixture.

Stir everything together so each bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure a perfect distribution of ingredients.

Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping

Dot the top with mini mozzarella balls and sprinkle grated parmesan for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes to set.

Finish with a sprinkle of chili pepper flakes and torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and zesty flavor.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions and savor the incredible blend of Tuscan-inspired ingredients in every delightful bite.

Tips For Creamy Tuscan Broccoli Chicken

• Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor profile.
• Prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to intensify before baking.
• Replace chicken with tofu or white fish for vegetarian and seafood-friendly variations.
• Add spinach or kale to increase veggie content and enhance overall nutrient density.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked protein.

Broccoli Bake With Tuscan Chicken That Keeps Its Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or plastic wrap. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Bright Complements For Tuscan Bake

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied, unoaked Chardonnay with bright acidity to complement the rich, creamy texture of the Tuscan chicken broccoli bake.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a side of toasted, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up the delicious pesto and cheese sauce, adding extra crunch and flavor to the meal.
• Match with Arugula Salad: Prepare a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Accompany with Italian Red Wine: Choose a light-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the tomato and herb notes in the bake, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Combos

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu and use dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a plant-based option.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, swap pesto for Greek-style herbs like oregano and thyme, and include crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Spicy Protein Boost: Incorporate diced jalapeños, use spicy chicken sausage instead of chicken breasts, and add a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese to increase heat and protein content.

FAQs

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, this Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake freezes well and stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen broccoli completely before adding to the recipe to prevent excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure the dish stays firm.

• How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Replace whole milk cottage cheese with low-fat cottage cheese, use skinless chicken breast, and reduce the amount of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. These simple swaps can significantly lower the calorie content.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your pesto and cheese brands are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s gluten-free status.

Tuscan Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Tuscan chicken broccoli bake brings Italian countryside comfort to dinner tables with creamy, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients merge in one delicious casserole that satisfies hunger and warms hearts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors you will crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded mozzarella
• 5 ounces (142 grams) mini fresh mozzarella balls (optional)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 small crowns broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes
• Chili pepper flakes (garnish)
• Fresh basil (garnish)

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1 heaping cup cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Whisk eggs, cottage cheese, and pesto in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a creamy base for the dish.
3. Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet, heating over medium flame to prepare for vegetable preparation.
4. Toss broccoli florets into the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they reach a crisp-tender texture. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a separate plate.
5. Season chicken pieces with salt, then introduce them to the same skillet with remaining olive oil, cooking until a golden-brown exterior develops, approximately 5 minutes.
6. Combine the prepared ingredients: fold tomatoes, sautéed broccoli, shredded mozzarella, and cooked chicken into the cottage cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Carefully transfer the mixed ingredients to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading the contents uniformly to create an appetizing layer.
8. Embellish the top with mini mozzarella balls and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for added richness.
9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 35 minutes until the surface turns golden and the edges become delightfully bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and making it easier to serve.
11. Finish by garnishing with a light dusting of chili pepper flakes and freshly torn basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or shredded rotisserie chicken for variety and dietary needs.
• Reduce dairy content by using low-fat cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version of the dish.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili pepper flakes or replacing with mild paprika for sensitive palates.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing components in advance and assembling quickly before baking, saving time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg