Sometimes it’s fun to be creative in the kitchen! And how can you be more creative than by rediscovering a beloved classic in a whole new way?! This Surprise Pizza Casserole is a new way to enjoy an old favorite! With a tender couscous crust layered in an Italian-seasoned tomato sauce and a flavorful chicken and tender veggie combo that includes favorites such as onions, mushrooms, and spinach, all topped with a crown of melted mozzarella… well, regular old pizza just met its match! Surprise Pizza Casserole will, for lack of a better word, SURPRISE you with all the rich Italian flavors that you love from your average pizza, all wrapped up in a whole new dish!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more, to taste, for greasing the dish
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups Moroccan couscous, dry
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 big handfuls fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish using the extra olive oil.
Step 3 –In a medium saucepan over high heat, add the water and bring to a boil.
Step 4 –Add the couscous to the boiling water and stir well.
Step 5 –Cover the saucepan, transfer it from the heat, and let it stand until all the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
Step 6 –Fluff the couscous with a fork.
Step 7 –In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of the remaining olive oil, the onion, and the cremini mushrooms and sauté until softened, about 5-8 minutes.
Step 8 –Add the tomato paste to the onion mixture and stir to completely combine.
Step 9 –Add the spinach and the chicken to the onion mixture and cook until the spinach just starts to wilt, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 10 –Evenly spread the couscous in the prepared baking dish.
Step 11 –Pour the tomato sauce over the couscous.
Step 12 –Spread the veggie mixture over the tomato sauce.
Step 13 –Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the veggie mixture.
Step 14 –Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 15 –Serve.
