Chicken Marimba
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole layered with tender noodles, vegetables, and flavorful cheeses, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cream-style cottage cheese
- 3 c. diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 c. Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles in a large amount of boiling water until tender.
- Drain the noodles and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream-style cottage cheese, diced cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, cream of chicken soup, milk, drained mushrooms, chopped pimento, and basil.
- Layer half of the cooked noodles in a greased baking dish.
- Spread half of the cheese and chicken mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat with remaining noodles and mixture.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and dot with butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also add some fresh spinach or kale to the chicken mixture for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Marimba pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a light pasta salad dinner for a satisfying spread. For a more festive occasion, consider serving it alongside Chicken Holiday Wreath for a delightful holiday feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Marimba contains roughly 879 calories, with 39g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (80% of the Daily Value), protein (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Chicken Marimba for later use?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Marimba before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. If it's frozen after baking, reheat in the oven until heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with homemade béchamel sauce or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. For a lighter option, a mixture of plain Greek yogurt and chicken broth can also work well, adding creaminess without the extra calories.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make Chicken Marimba vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables. You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or any of your favorite veggies. To maintain the dish's richness, consider using additional cheese or a plant-based cream alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).