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Cozy Hearty Casserole Recipe Easy Comfort Food for New Moms

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A rich, layered, and comforting casserole perfect for busy new moms and families, combining creamy sauce, tender veggies, and melted cheese for a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or homemade equivalent
  • 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese, well-drained and blended smooth if possible
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (100–150 g)
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: bread crumbs or crushed crackers for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, blended cottage cheese, dried thyme, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
  6. Mix sautéed vegetables, browned chicken, frozen peas, cooked rice, and creamy sauce in the skillet or a large bowl until evenly coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Optionally, add a thin layer of bread crumbs or crushed crackers for crunch.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  10. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Blend the cottage cheese for a silky texture if possible. Use day-old cooked rice to avoid excess moisture. Season chicken, veggies, and sauce separately for layered flavor. Add extra chicken broth if casserole looks dry before baking. Bread crumbs can be mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping. Check casserole 5 minutes before baking time ends to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, new moms, chicken casserole, creamy casserole, cheesy casserole, quick meal, family dinner

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-hearty-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food-for-new-moms/