Florentine Turkey Or Chicken
A creamy, savory dish featuring cooked turkey or chicken combined with spinach and Parmesan, topped with bread crumbs and spices for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spinach as label directs. Drain well and arrange in a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine and stir in flour, monosodium glutamate, salt, cayenne pepper, and light cream.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cooked turkey or chicken chunks.
- Pour the mixture over the spinach in the casserole.
- Sprinkle with dried bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or onion to the butter before mixing in the flour. If you don't have light cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a creamier texture. Feel free to use frozen spinach instead of fresh; just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly. For a twist, try incorporating some nutmeg into the sauce for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Florentine Turkey or Chicken casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with the Easy Elegant Chicken Casserole for a comforting dinner spread. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a quinoa salad can complement the dish nicely, balancing the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentine Turkey Or Chicken contains roughly 653 calories, with 14g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 977mg per serving (42% 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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen. Simply cook it down until wilted, drain well, and then arrange it in the casserole dish as directed. This will give you a fresher taste and texture in your dish.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just be sure to check that your bread crumbs are also gluten-free if you want to maintain the gluten-free aspect of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it completely and store it in the refrigerator covered for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
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).