Italian Spinach and Chicken Casserole
Try this Italian Spinach and Chicken Casserole recipe.
Try this Italian Spinach and Chicken Casserole recipe.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 1/4 cup friendly fat to cook in (butter coconut oil, lard)
- 3 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 pint homemade condensed cream of chicken soup (or
- 1 cup organic cheese shredded
- 1/2 lb fresh organic baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (i usually crockpot a couple of who
- 1 – 15oz can organic diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup organic long grain white rice
- 3/4 cup bone broth or water
- 1/3- shcup grated parmesan cheese to top
- Carbohydrate 26.1559929326923 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.804158365384615 g
- Fiber 5.62798705799763 g
- Protein 3.70249822115385 g
- Saturated Fat 0.264652557692308 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (495g)
- Sodium 983.454057692308 mg
- Sugar 20.5280058746947 g
- Trans Fat 0.157637365384615 g
- Calories 117 calories
Step-by-step
- Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in the friendly fat with the sea salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
- Put the cooked/seasoned veggies in a large mixing bowl along with the rest of the ingredients excluding the parmesan for the top, and combine.
- Pour the casserole mixture into a small, buttered baking dish and sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.
- At this point you can either bake it off, or cover it up and put it in the fridge to bake later or bring to a friend in need.
- Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 1 hour.
A Weeknight Winner: My Italian Spinach and Chicken Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner feels like a constant battle. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve developed a go-to recipe that’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser: my Italian Spinach and Chicken Casserole. This dish is my secret weapon for those chaotic weeknights when I need a comforting and nutritious meal on the table without sacrificing precious time.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility and adaptability. I often use leftover roasted chicken, saving me the extra step of cooking chicken from scratch. And if I happen to have fresh spinach on hand, I'll toss that in; otherwise, frozen works perfectly well. The same goes for the other vegetables - I’m not a stickler for exact measurements or types of vegetables; feel free to swap in whatever you have available. Perhaps some zucchini or bell peppers for a bit of extra color and flavor? The possibilities are endless! The core components remain the same: hearty chicken, nutritious spinach, and the comforting warmth of Italian seasonings. The creamy, cheesy topping brings it all together beautifully.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its make-ahead capability. I often assemble the casserole on Sunday evening, pop it in the fridge, and then bake it on a busy weeknight. This saves me significant time and stress during the week, allowing me to focus on other important tasks. Or, I’ll assemble it in the morning before work and it’s ready to bake when I get home! It’s also fantastic for meal prepping. A large batch will easily last for a few days, providing delicious and healthy lunches for work. The flavors only improve after a day or two in the fridge. I always keep a container in the fridge for those days when I have no time for lunch.
Beyond its practicality, this casserole offers a balanced and nutritious meal. The chicken provides a good source of protein, the spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, and the rice adds a healthy dose of carbohydrates for sustained energy. This is perfect for those days when my family needs to recharge after a long day. Even my picky eaters gobble it up, proving it’s a winner for both taste buds and nutritional value.
The recipe is incredibly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, making it easy to navigate even on the busiest days. I usually start by sautéing the vegetables, a process that takes only a few minutes. Then, I simply combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and bake until golden brown. The result is a hearty, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. The recipe has become a staple in our family, a comforting meal we always look forward to.
In conclusion, my Italian Spinach and Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saving, healthy, and delicious solution for busy weeknights. Its versatility, make-ahead convenience, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect fit for any family, regardless of their dietary preferences or time constraints. It's a recipe that reflects my commitment to providing my family with nourishing meals without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen.
So, next time you’re short on time but craving a comforting and delicious meal, give this casserole a try. I guarantee it will become a quick favorite in your household too!
Beyond the Recipe:
While this recipe is a quick weeknight solution, it also lends itself beautifully to experimentation. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Don't be afraid to make it your own!
Furthermore, consider using different protein sources. Ground turkey or Italian sausage could provide a tasty alternative to chicken. And for a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or legumes for a protein boost.
