Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for guests.

A thick piece of cooked chicken breast sits on a white plate, covered with a creamy white sauce mixed with dark green spinach leaves and bright red sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce looks melted and slightly browned on top, adding a glossy texture to the spinach and tomato bits. The chicken underneath is golden brown and juicy, partially visible beneath the sauce. A silver fork rests at the bottom right edge of the plate with some sauce dripping around it. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 a richer flavor, swap cottage cheese for ricotta or add a splash of heavy cream to the mixture.
  • Use fresh spinach leaves or substitute with kale for a slightly different texture.
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a more intense taste.
  • Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to keep the texture creamy and delicious.

How to Serve

The dish shows three thick pieces of baked chicken breast covered in a creamy white sauce mixed with green spinach leaves. On top, there are roasted red cherry tomatoes and small crispy brown pieces which look like bacon bits. The chicken has a golden-brown crust with some charred spots, and there is a sprinkle of fresh green herbs across the surface. All of this sits in a white rectangular ceramic dish, placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked chicken to save time and ensure even cooking. If using raw chicken, cook it fully before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Print

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake is a delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish featuring shredded chicken combined with cottage cheese, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. Baked to golden perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken casserole.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cottage cheese, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is well combined.
  3. Prepare baking dish: Drizzle olive oil into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly to coat the bottom lightly. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
  4. Transfer mixture: Pour the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  5. Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and becomes bubbly.
  6. Cool and garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked chicken for best results, but leftover shredded chicken works well too.
  • Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
  • For a richer flavor, consider using full-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella.
  • Adjust salt according to taste, especially if using pre-seasoned chicken.
  • This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Keywords: Tuscan chicken bake, cottage cheese recipe, baked chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, Italian chicken dish

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