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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- Whisk eggs, cottage cheese, and pesto in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a creamy base for the dish.
- Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet, heating over medium flame to prepare for vegetable preparation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine the prepared ingredients: fold tomatoes, sautéed broccoli, shredded mozzarella, and cooked chicken into the cottage cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully transfer the mixed ingredients to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading the contents uniformly to create an appetizing layer.
- Embellish the top with mini mozzarella balls and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for added richness.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and making it easier to serve.
- 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