Shelly's Recipe

CHICKEN AND SPINACH CASSEROLE WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

Category: Casseroles - Chicken and Turkey

16 oz frozen spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
4 slices bacon, diced
2 tbsp butter
4 green onions, with about 2 inches of green, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp salt
Dash garlic powder, optional
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp dried leaf basil
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 1/2 to 2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
3/4 cup finely shredded natural Parmesan cheese, about 3 oz

Grease a 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole. Heat oven to 350.

Sprinkle the well-drained spinach over the bottom of the casserole; set aside.

In a large skillet, fry the diced bacon until just crisp. With a slotted spoon transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium-low heat. Add the onions, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and basil; cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the flour until well incorporated. Add the chicken broth and cream, stirring until well blended. Stir in the chicken and cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly.

Sprinkle the drained bacon over the spinach, then pour the hot chicken mixture over all. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and cheese is lightly browned.

Serves 4.