There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting casserole to bring your family together, and this creamy cottage cheese casserole with chicken, mushrooms, and spinach is exactly that dish. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome dinner packed with protein and veggies while keeping things rich and creamy without heavy cream.
If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your weeknight rotation, this casserole is a must-try. The cottage cheese lends a light creaminess and a boost of calcium, while the chicken and mushrooms add deep flavor and hearty texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy without using heavy cream or sour cream
- High-protein thanks to cottage cheese and chicken
- Loaded with nutrient-dense spinach and mushrooms
- Easy to prep and bake for busy weeknights
- Comforting flavors the whole family will enjoy
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your creamy cottage cheese casserole come to life.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, low-fat or regular)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Chicken Mushroom and Spinach Casserole Recipe You Need to Try Tonight
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
- Fold the sautéed mushroom and spinach mixture into the chicken and cottage cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra creaminess, blend the cottage cheese before mixing with other ingredients.
- Don’t overcook the mushrooms; they should be browned but still moist for best flavor.
- Feel free to swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cottage cheese casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months.
Reheat refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the casserole to avoid a watery dish.
Is this casserole low-carb?
This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, focusing on protein and vegetables, making it a good option for low-carb diets.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese or cream cheese, but cottage cheese offers a lighter texture and higher protein content.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
