Description
This delicious Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and fresh spinach in a luscious plant-based creamy sauce with melted plant-based cheese. Perfect for family dinners or weeknights, this hearty yet easy-to-prepare casserole delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup chicken broth (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup heavy cream (plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or basil)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onions and garlic. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Dice the smoked turkey bacon and cook it in the skillet until crispy. Set aside. Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast. Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and set aside.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), heavy cream (plant-based), and natural gelling agent. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens and reaches your desired creaminess. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to build layered flavors.
- Combine and Layer: Mix the shredded chicken, cooked smoked turkey bacon, and fresh spinach into the creamy sauce. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly from the heat. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the plant-based cheese (plant-based) on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese melts beautifully and the edges are bubbling. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken to reduce prep time and enrich flavor.
- Do not overcook spinach; add it near the end to keep it vibrant.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream (plant-based) to control the richness of the sauce.
- For a crunchy topping, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.
- Incorporate fresh herbs for bright, aromatic flavor bursts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, creamy chicken, spinach casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon casserole, comfort food
