Zucchini and Squash Casserole

Lately I’ve been on the hunt for dishes that are hearty and filling without being heavy. This casserole is the answer. It is a delicious, nutritious, and filling dinner.

With LOVE from Texas,
The Pint-Sized Mayo

Zucchini and Squash Casserole

4-6 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound chicken breast, cubed (optional)
• salt and black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 medium-sized zucchini, halved long ways and then sliced into half-moons
• 2 medium-sized yellow squash, halved long ways and then sliced into half-moons
• 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence (can substitute Italian herbs)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 2  green onions, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheese, your choice (I used an italian blend), divided
• 1/2 cup coarsely grated Parmesan

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F, and spray an 11″x7″ baking dish (holds 2 quarts) nonstick  cooking spray and set aside.

(Skip this this instructional paragraph if you are not using chicken.) Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and cubed chicken to the pan. Season liberally with salt and black pepper. Stir mixture and cook until the chicken is browned. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, squash, herbes de provence, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, red chili flakes, green onions, 1/2 cup your choice of shredded cheese, parmesan, and cooked (and cooled) chicken. Stir the mixture together until everything is well mixed.  Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper, to your preference. Pour the mixture in the prepared baking dish.

Place in the oven, and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes.

After the time has elapsed, take the casserole dish out of the oven, and sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.  Place the dish back in the oven, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted and browned.

Serve warm with some crusty bread or in our case, more cheese bread!

Enjoy!!

“Tomatoes and squash never fail to reach maturity. You can spray them with acid, beat them with sticks and burn them; they love it.” – S.J. Perelman