Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil into a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches) to lightly coat the bottom.
4. Step 4: Pour the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or sauté the garlic before mixing it in.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or swap spinach with kale for a different twist.
• To make it lighter, substitute part of the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain creaminess and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing to avoid a watery dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This bake stores well and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 74 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring shredded chicken combined with creamy cottage cheese, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection with Italian seasoning and garlic, it’s a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken and Dairy

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Spices and Oils

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the dish evenly.
2. Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Prepare the baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish and use a brush or your hands to coat the bottom evenly to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the bake. Pour the combined chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
5. Bake the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly, signaling that it’s cooked through.
6. Cool and garnish. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes to let the flavors settle. Garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired before serving.

Notes

• For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the mixture before baking.
• This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
• Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach (well-drained) can be substituted if needed.
• To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Cottage Cheese Bake, Italian Chicken Casserole, Healthy Chicken Bake, Baked Chicken with Cheese and Spinach