I love chicken. I love kale. I love a casserole. This was a pretty simple idea, right?
Shopping List
1 onion, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken if you prefer)
1 (3 oz) package of cream cheese
1 (3 oz) package of cream cheese
1 cup chicken stock
1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (click here to see how I get my cooked chicken)
3 cups (just eyeball it…a few big handfuls) of torn kale leaves (it’s next to the spinach at the market!)
1 pound pasta (I used whole wheat…you use whatever you like)
1 cup of breadcrumbs or Panko
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Salt and Pepper
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute onion and garlic in a tablespoon of EVOO with a sprinkle of S&P until tender (about 5 minutes). Stir in soup, cream cheese, stock, chicken, and kale and bring to a bubble, then reduce the heat to low and simmer about 5 minutes. Add in a bit more S&P.
While your chicken mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of water up to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente.
Drain your pasta and add it to your chicken mixture. Pour everything into an oven-safe 8×8 inch casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake about 10 minutes or until the top is brown and bubbly.
Remove from oven and serve.
That’s it! You don’t even have to bake it at the end if you don’t want to. You can totally eat it straight out of the skillet with a sprinkle of cheese. I just bake mine with some breadcrumbs to get that nice toasty topping…but that’s optional.
If you haven’t tried kale before, this is the perfect time…when it’s wrapped up in a cheesy casserole.
Shelby says
I have only ever had kale in soup & never have made it myself…SO excited to try a non-soup kale dish that I am making myself!!
Kairi says
Do you have any alternatives for the can of soup? I love the idea of a healthy kale casserole but I can't (and shouldn't) eat MSG and it's in every can of cream of mushroom soup–do you know how I could make this recipe from scratch instead?
Marie Matter says
Done and done! Definitely going to make this week!
Maggie&Kyle says
I mentioned your blog and all of your yummy recipes on my blog today (in honor of the Bachelor finale). I even included some reviews from my family. Thanks for sharing! We LOVE all of the recipes!
http://Www.thezicks.blogspot.com
Mix and Match Mama says
In this recipe, I think you could just substitute a little cream or half and half for the canned soup. I wouldn't suggest that in every recipe, but in this one, I think it would be ok. About three tablespoons or so.
SarahN says
I love your recipes! I'm making a meal of yours every night this week and so far my family loves you 🙂 can't wait to try this one!
Jenna says
Looks delish!!! Can't wait to try it out!
april says
Sounds delish! I'm going to try it with half and half (instead of cream of mushroom) because that's all I have in the fridge right now. 🙂
Anonymous says
What kind of whole wheat pasta do you use? I'm on the search! I want to add this to my grocery list next week! Thanks 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I buy a wide variety of wheat pastas…I really think they're all pretty great. I don't buy one particular brand…just whatever I see when I'm at the grocery store or Target.
Laura says
Kairi – I buy canned soups at Whole Foods. That store won't stock anything that contains MSG. I bought Health Valley Organic Cream of Chicken soup for this recipe.
Shay – My one question is about the cream cheese: is the amount really 3 ounces? You say one package, but my package is 8 ounces. Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
Philadelphia sells a 3 ounce package of cream cheese right next to the standard 8 ounce package. If you don't see it, just use about half of the 8 oz package.
Leah says
Holy crap my kid is eating kale. I love the internet. Thanks!
Kristin says
This was so good! I took a chance on making it for my non-green eating husband, but he loved the kale and even said I should add a little more kale next time I make it!
Chrissy says
Only modifications were…I used frozen kale, it's a staple in my freezer, and put in a larger casserole dish…more real estate for the cheese and breadcrumbs. Absolutely delish. Thank you!