Description
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting, rich, and delicious dish blending tender shredded chicken, vibrant spinach, and smoky turkey bacon in a luscious creamy sauce made with plant-based cheese. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, this casserole delivers wholesome flavor and satisfying warmth perfect for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, crisped and chopped
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, lightly sautéed or raw
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream (plant-based)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook chicken breasts until fully done, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. In a skillet, crisp up the smoked turkey bacon until golden and aromatic, then chop coarsely. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, maintaining the vibrant green color and freshness.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan over low heat, combine plant-based heavy cream, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and plant-based cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the cream. Add a pinch of natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce, stirring well to incorporate.
- Combine and Assemble: Mix shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and sautéed spinach into the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake casserole for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbling and lightly golden on top. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Shred warm chicken with two forks for even texture distribution.
- Lightly sauté spinach to retain color and nutrients without mushiness.
- Use high-quality plant-based cheese for optimal creaminess and melt.
- Let casserole rest after baking to enhance texture and flavor melding.
- Adjust seasoning before baking to avoid blandness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamy chicken casserole, spinach casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon casserole, gluten free dinner