Cozy Chicken and Cheese Breakfast Casserole to Brighten Your Morning

A hearty breakfast casserole featuring tender chicken and melted cheese can transform your morning meal experience.

Breakfast casseroles have become a beloved comfort food for families seeking convenient and satisfying morning options.

Home cooks appreciate these one-dish meals that combine protein-rich ingredients with creamy textures and robust flavors.

Layered with savory elements and baked to golden perfection, these casseroles provide a delicious start to any day.

The combination of chicken and cheese creates a nutritious and filling breakfast that appeals to various taste preferences.

Culinary enthusiasts often experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to personalize their breakfast casserole recipes.

What Goes Well With Chicken And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• Crisp White Wine Harmony: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, cheesy casserole with their bright, refreshing acidity that cuts through the rich textures.
• Fresh Green Salad Partner: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the hearty casserole, adding a zesty, crisp counterpoint to the warm dish.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve toasted sourdough or ciabatta garlic bread alongside the casserole, allowing guests to soak up extra marinara sauce and enjoy complementary herbal flavors.
• Palate-Cleansing Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon or orange slices to create a light, effervescent drink that refreshes the mouth between bites of the rich pasta dish.

New Ways To Try Chicken And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• Vegetarian Variation: Replace chicken and sausage with plant-based protein like tofu crumbles or tempeh, adding extra mushrooms for umami flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetable layers, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, coconut milk-based ricotta, and dairy-free mozzarella substitute to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Questions About Chicken And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute sausage with ground chicken, turkey, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the dish.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, vegetarian sausage, or additional vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini. Ensure you season the alternative protein well to maintain flavor.

• What if I can't find lasagna pieces?

No problem! You can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even broken lasagna noodles. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

Why Chicken And Cheese Breakfast Casserole Feels Like Comfort

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious chicken and cheese casserole in under an hour, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness, this dish satisfies both kids and adults with its crowd-pleasing combination of flavors and textures.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, restaurant-worthy meal everyone will love.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines lean protein from chicken and sausage with nutrient-rich spinach, creating a balanced breakfast that keeps you energized throughout the morning.

What You Need For Chicken And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• Chicken, Sausage: Hearty protein sources that add rich flavor and substance to the breakfast casserole. Fresh, high-quality meats are recommended for best taste.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides smooth texture and mild flavor. Full-fat version works best for richness.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create golden, crispy top layer. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the casserole together and adds protein. Large, fresh eggs recommended.

• Spinach: Nutritious green that adds color and earthy flavor. Fresh or frozen spinach works well, ensure proper draining.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth of flavor. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and complexity to the dish. Yellow or white onions are standard choices.
• Chili Paste, Red Pepper Flakes: Provides heat and spice. Adjust quantity based on personal spice preference.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy tomato flavor. Homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce recommended.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and preventing sticking. Extra virgin olive oil offers best flavor.
• Lasagna Pieces: Provides structure and texture to the casserole. Regular or no-boil lasagna noodles can be used.

How To Make Chicken And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F. Grab a large baking sheet and give it a generous coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Spinach Magic

• Minced garlic
• Chili paste or red pepper flakes

Let these dance around until they’re super fragrant. Add spinach and a pinch of salt, stirring until it wilts beautifully. Drain any extra liquid, chop it up, and mix with creamy ricotta cheese.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Use the same skillet and add more olive oil. Crumble sausage into the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Cook until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent.

Step 4: Pasta Preparation

Fill a big pot with water and add a handful of salt. Drop in lasagna pieces and cook for about 4 minutes until they’re perfectly al dente. Save a half cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Combine Flavor Powerhouses

• Marinara sauce
• Reserved pasta water
• Cooked pasta
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Fold this into the sausage mixture until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Layer and Decorate

Spread the pasta mixture across the prepared baking sheet. Dot the top with the spinach-ricotta mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese generously over the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and make cutting easier.

Helpful Hints For Chicken And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, creamy texture.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a more complex, personalized flavor profile that enhances the dish.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and saving morning cooking time.
• Layer Ingredients Evenly: Distribute sausage, pasta, and cheese mixtures uniformly to guarantee consistent taste and texture in every bite.
• Boost Protein Power: Swap chicken sausage with turkey sausage or add scrambled eggs for additional protein and nutritional value.

How To Store And Reheat Chicken And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Delicious Chicken and Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent Chicken and Cheese Breakfast Casserole brings morning comfort with layers of hearty ingredients melding into a satisfying one-dish wonder. Savory protein and melted cheese create a delightful morning meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 ½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 (5 ounces / 142 grams) container baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste (or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cups jarred marinara sauce
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1 lb lasagna pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces (or taccole pasta)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 425°F (220°C) and coating a 12×17-inch baking sheet with olive oil.
2. Create a flavor base by sautéing garlic and chili paste in a skillet until aromatic, then incorporate fresh spinach and gently wilt the leaves.
3. Drain excess liquid from the spinach, chop finely, and blend thoroughly with ricotta cheese to create a creamy green mixture.
4. In the same skillet, brown the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking to develop deep, rich flavors.
5. Add diced onions to the sausage and continue cooking until the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.
6. Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water for approximately 4 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly firm, then drain while reserving a small amount of pasta water.
7. Combine the cooked sausage mixture with marinara sauce, reserved pasta water, cooked lasagna noodles, and a generous portion of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Distribute the saucy pasta mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheet, creating a uniform base.
9. Strategically drop spoonfuls of the spinach-ricotta mixture over the pasta, ensuring even coverage.
10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese varieties on top to create a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, watching for a beautifully browned surface and bubbling edges.
12. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving, which helps the layers settle and intensifies the flavors.

Notes

• Choose low-fat cheese options to reduce overall calorie content and make the dish healthier for weight-conscious individuals.
• Swap traditional sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for a leaner protein alternative that maintains great flavor.
• Prepare components in advance by cooking spinach and sausage mixture the night before, which saves precious morning preparation time and streamlines the cooking process.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zuc

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg