Okay...It's been long enough since I have posted a legitimate recipe on Tuesday, and I know how many of you rely on me to feed your family (I have self importance issues). So I'm back with a recipe I invented out of necessity one night. If you are seeking something healthy, seek somewhere else. If you are seeking something cheesy and oh so yummy, look no further. I bring you a lasagna style casserole. Except it's not really lasagna. It's, well, just read on...
Mamma's Casserole
Ingredients:
1Pkg Chicken (approx. 1lb boneless breast or thigh)
1 Bag whole wheat wide egg noodles
1 bag frozen chopped spinach (thawed...is that an oxymoron?)
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1/2 yellow onion (minced)
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
36oz of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 1/2-2 Cups cheddar cheese
1 1/2 Cups fresh grated parmesan (not canned)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13X9 baking dish with nonstick spray, set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, and set aside.
Saute onion and garlic in a medium pan til soft. Add thawed spinach and cook through. Add cream cheese, mix well and keep warm.
Cube raw chicken, and saute(use non stick spray or a bit of olive oil) in a large pan until no longer pink. Add spaghetti sauce.
Now, for the layering. You can layer them any way you'd like...but here's how I did it.
Layer 1/3 chicken mixture then top with 1/2 of the noodles. Layer additional 1/3 chicken mixture again. Top with all of the spinach/cream cheese. Layer all of the parmesan cheese. Top with remaining noodles, remaining chicken mixture. Top with cheddar cheese.
Bake until heated through, then broil at 550 degrees til slightly browned at edges and bubbly.
Serve it with whatever you want! Steamed broccoli, or asparagus are great. Again, this is an invention so it has only ever been taste tested by our family, but it was a major hit with everyone. If you like cheesy, and tasty, then give it a try. Wish I had pictures for you...maybe one of you can make it and get some photos for me. Hey, figured it was worth a shot ;)