18 High-Protein Casseroles For Better Heart Health
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
There’s nothing better than ending your day with a flavorful casserole for dinner. These delicious dishes are low in sodium and saturated fat to help support a healthy heart. They’re also high in protein with at least 15 grams per serving to make them extra satisfying. Try options like our Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole and Tamari-Ginger Meatball & Eggplant Casserole for a protein-packed, nourishing meal that will help your heart function at its best.
Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
This creamy chicken Florentine casserole combines tender pieces of chicken, fresh spinach and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy crust. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a chilly evening or share a hearty, home-cooked dinner with family, this casserole delivers an experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Teriyaki Chicken Skillet Casserole with Broccoli
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Whip up this quick and easy teriyaki chicken casserole in just one skillet—it’s the perfect go-to recipe for hectic weeknights that’s sure to satisfy a crowd. It’s ideal for making use of any leftover chicken and rice you have on hand. If you’re short on leftovers, a rotisserie chicken paired with a package of microwaveable brown rice is a good substitute.
Tamari-Ginger Meatball & Eggplant Casserole
Eggplant soaks up the flavors of ginger, garlic and tamari in this Asian-inspired casserole recipe. A hot pepper in the topping adds a bit of heat, but opt for sweet if you prefer.
Creamy Chicken & Penne alla Vodka Casserole with Peas
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco
This cheesy chicken pasta casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a fast and easy dinner with minimal cleanup. Vodka sauce adds a creamy note to the sauce. If you don’t have vodka sauce on hand, add a few tablespoons of cream to regular marinara.
Apple, Bacon and Sweet Potato Mini Casseroles
These sweet and savory mini casseroles are ready in just an hour. Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers to enjoy later.
Spinach & Mushroom Tortellini Bake
This cheesy tortellini bake is a dish the whole family will love--it's filled with sweet-tasting marinara, mushrooms and spinach and topped with melted cheese. Complete the meal, plus get in another vegetable serving, by adding a side of broccoli or a small green salad.
Mom's Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
This lightened-up creamy chicken casserole is packed with veggies. The sauce at the heart of this family-friendly casserole uses fat-free milk with a combination of fat-free Greek-style yogurt and a little mayonnaise to give it body.
Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Spinach Skillet Casserole
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Annie Probst
This spinach-packed casserole cooks on the stovetop and bakes in the same skillet for a family-friendly dinner with an easy cleanup. You can use leftover chicken and cook the pasta ahead of time to speed up the prep.
Green Chile Rotisserie Chicken Casserole
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
This green chile rotisserie chicken casserole features tender rotisserie chicken with lots of tender vegetables. The corn adds a nice pop of sweetness, while the rice helps absorb some of the flavors. A crunchy topping of crushed tortilla chips finishes off this comforting, Southwestern-inspired casserole.
Garlic Cashew Chicken Casserole
Combine brown rice, cashews, chow-mein noodles and vegetables galore with chicken in this delicious casserole.
Chicken-Spaghetti Squash Bake
In this version of a chicken-and-broccoli casserole, spaghetti squash takes on a creamy texture when baked with cream of mushroom soup.
Sweet Potato, Sausage and Goat Cheese Egg Casserole
This hearty breakfast casserole, featuring roasted sweet potatoes, is the perfect dish to prepare for your next brunch gathering.
Tuna Casserole with Orzo, Eggplant & Feta
Tuna casserole is a timeless comfort-food recipe; this one incorporates eggplant, artichoke hearts, oregano, olives and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flair.
Chicken Casserole with Pineapple, Peppers & Rice
Precooked brown rice adds a boost of protein and fiber to this healthy casserole—versions of which are sometimes called "Hawaiian Chicken"—while also saving prep time. Pineapple and red bell pepper provide color throughout the dish and lend a sweet flavor to counterbalance the fresh ginger and soy sauce.
Turkey-Vegetable Bake
This delicious heart-healthy casserole is made with turkey, brown rice and lots of vegetables.
Baked Cavatelli Casserole
This easy to make, comforting dish will keep you warm on a cold day.
Chicken-Noodle Casserole
Flavorful Chicken-Noodle Casserole comes to life with this diabetes-friendly recipe. Select light sour cream to lower fat and calorie content.
Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Casserole
In Minnesota, chicken, mushrooms and wild rice are often bound together in a casserole with cream of mushroom soup. We forgo the sodium-rich canned soup and make a light, creamy sauce that gets depth of flavor from dry sherry and Parmesan cheese.
Read the original article on Eating Well.
