Creamy Chicken Florentine Artichoke Casserole
If I’m being honest, spinach is not my first choice in vegetables. (Unless we’re talking about my mom’s spinach dip, that is.) But since my family does a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and we receive a weekly box of whatever is locally in season, we happen to find ourselves with an awful lot of spinach during certain parts of the year. Since I cannot subsist entirely on spinach dip, I’m often trying to think of creative ways to use it and this Creamy Chicken and Florentine Artichoke Casserole is one of my very favorite ways I’ve come across. Creamy and satisfying, it’s as much about the sauce as it is about the spinach and it’s as family-friendly as it is filling.
This is a lower-carb bake and it works perfectly left as is, but if you’re looking for some more carbalicious comfort it also happens to be delicious served over some pasta. You could probably even incorporate some pasta into the bake if you wanted, you would just likely want to up the sauce amount a bit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the added health benefits of spinach and artichokes. It’s comfort food that doesn’t make you feel guilty, and it’s versatile enough to please both kids and adults alike.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz baby spinach
- 10 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and roughly chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, warmed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Add onion and cook until starting to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Add spinach and artichokes and cook until spinach has wilted. Remove to a large bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Let cook until mixture starts to bubble and thicken.
- Remove from heat, then stir in Italian seasoning, Monterey Jack cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until cheese has melted.
- Add sauce to spinach-artichoke mixture, along with chicken, and stir to combine. Transfer to baking dish, top with Parmesan cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Make sure the spinach is thoroughly wilted before combining it with the sauce to ensure a smooth and even texture throughout the casserole. Also, for a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or a splash of cream.
Additional Tips or Variations
You can easily customize this casserole by adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. For a bit of a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. If you’re a fan of pasta, consider mixing in some cooked penne or fusilli for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving is a good source of protein and offers a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, primarily from the spinach and artichokes. The dish is also relatively low in carbs if served without pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh artichokes? Yes, but they will need to be cooked and trimmed before adding them to the casserole.
How can I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, it can be frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Artichoke Casserole is a delightful dish that promises to impress both family and friends. I encourage you to try it out and share your experiences. Did you make any creative variations? Let me know in the comments below!
