Creamy Spinach Dip Chicken Casserole Recipe Is Like Spinach Dip In High-Protein Dinner Form by Elisa Schmitz

I'm constantly surprised by the fun I have creating recipes in a single cast iron skillet. Starting a recipe on the stovetop and ending it in the oven, all in one oven-proof pan, makes cooking easy and delicious. Putting the skillet in the oven allows you to create all kinds of creamy, crispy meals that are almost too good to be true (but they're not).

This creamy spinach dip casserole recipe with ground chicken is a perfect example. The nutritious gluten-free recipe starts on the stovetop and ends in the oven, resulting in a creamy inside and a crispy outside that you just can't wait to dig into (and won't want to stop eating). It's like spinach dip in dinner form!

This high-protein cheesy skillet casserole recipe includes several ingredients that add protein, including ground chicken, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Check out the health benefits of cottage cheese and the health benefits of Greek yogurt. This deliciously nutritious recipe also includes plenty of fresh vegetables. Check out the health benefits of spinach, the health benefits of bell peppers and the health benefits of tomatoes, among others.

Here's your shopping list for this simple one-pan dinner recipe: low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, ground chicken, fresh spinach and tomato. You combine the ingredients in the skillet on the stovetop, top it with cheese then bake it until it's golden.

As an appetizer, you can slather this hearty spinach and chicken skillet recipe on some crusty bread. But it's equally delicious served for dinner over your favorite pasta or rice. So easy and delicious!

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, diced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup onions, diced
• 1/2 cup orange bell pepper, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 12 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes, diced

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, half the Parmesan cheese and the basil. Stir to combine. (I used cheddar cheese, but you could substitute mozzarella, if desired.)
   
2. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, onions, peppers and garlic. Stir to combine. (I used orange bell pepper, but you can use any color bell pepper you prefer.)
   
3. Add the ground chicken. Break it up and sauté with the onions, peppers and garlic until it's browned and cooked through.
   
4. Add the spinach. Sauté until wilted and integrated into the chicken mixture.
   
5. Add the tomatoes and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Drain any excess liquid, if needed.
   
6. Add the creamy cheese mixture to the skillet and stir until thoroughly combined.
   
7. Spread the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the skillet mixture.
   
8. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until sizzling and golden brown.
   
9. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
   
10. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
    

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