Cottage Cheese Chicken, Mushroom & Spinach Casserole
Description
This hearty baked casserole combines juicy chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and nutritious spinach in a creamy cottage cheese sauce, topped with melted cheese for a golden finish. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and perfect for a comforting yet balanced meal.
Time Required
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
1½ cups mushrooms (sliced)
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed & drained)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Base
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Creamy Mixture
½ cup milk or cream
1 egg (optional, for structure)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
Prepare oven
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Cook vegetables
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté onion until soft (3–4 minutes).
Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
Stir in garlic and spinach and cook until wilted.
Remove from heat.
Make creamy mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
Cottage cheese
Milk or cream
Egg (if using)
Salt, pepper, paprika, oregano
Mix until smooth.
Assemble casserole
Add cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the bowl.
Mix well.
Transfer to baking dish.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or toasted flatbread.
Pair with a fresh cucumber or green salad.
Great with brown rice or quinoa if you want a fuller meal.
Tips & Variations
Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier casserole.
Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
Add chili flakes for heat.
Swap mushrooms for broccoli or zucchini.
Use Greek yogurt instead of some cottage cheese for extra creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I skip the egg?
Yes. The casserole will be slightly softer but still delicious.
How do I reduce moisture?
Drain spinach well and cook mushrooms until water evaporates.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 320–380 kcal
Protein: 35–40 g
Carbohydrates: 8–12 g
Fat: 16–20 g
Fiber: 2–3 g