By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on October 2, 2026
Serves 8
596 cal · 75 min
Chicken and Kale Casserole
Recipe GLPR754f2bda54892c
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Average rating: 4.5 (1)
A hearty, creamy casserole combining tender pasta shells, wilted kale, shredded chicken, and a rich ricotta-based sauce brightened with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.
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Ingredients
Coarse salt
Ground black pepper
¾ lb Large pasta shells
2 tbsp Unsalted butter
1 large Large yellow onion, diced medium
3 clove Garlic cloves, minced
1½ lb Fresh kale, tough stems and ribs removed, leaves coarsely chopped
2 cup Shredded or chopped cooked chicken
48 oz Part-skim ricotta cheese
3 tbsp Lemon zest, finely grated
¾ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped kale in batches, stirring often, until wilted (about 5–8 minutes total). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and three-quarters of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked chicken.
Add the drained pasta and the cooked kale mixture to the ricotta mixture, stirring gently to combine evenly.
Transfer the mixture to a 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is hot throughout. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Comments
This is a straightforward weeknight casserole with all ingredients available at any Charlotte grocer—no special trips required. Cooked chicken (rotisserie works fine), kale, ricotta, and parmesan run roughly $2.50 to $3.00 per serving, making it budget-friendly for a family of eight. The 75-minute time is honest, though pasta and chicken must cook before assembly, so plan accordingly; it does not demand constant attention. It reheats well and makes excellent leftovers, though the kale will soften on day two.
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