Description
Cheesy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake delivers comfort and flavor in one irresistible dish. Creamy pasta layers meld with tender chicken and fresh spinach, creating a hearty meal perfect for family dinners that leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Pasta:
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 12 ounces (340 grams) dried spaghetti
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Supplementary Ingredients:
- 2 10.5-ounce (298 grams) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 10 ounces (283 grams) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 6 ounces (170 grams) French Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until perfectly tender yet firm (al dente). Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, allowing excess water to escape completely.
- Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thoroughly drained spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, finely minced garlic, and half of the French fried onions until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the drained spaghetti into the prepared mixture, gently folding and stirring to guarantee each pasta strand is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
- Smoothly transfer the combined spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Scatter the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the top, followed by an even sprinkle of the remaining French fried onions for a delightful crispy texture.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the dish is thoroughly heated, bubbling around the edges, and the onion topping turns a rich golden brown.
Notes
- Ideal for busy weeknights, this creamy chicken spinach spaghetti bake combines comfort food with quick preparation.
- Versatile dish allows substitutions like using rotisserie chicken or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- French fried onions provide a delightful crunch and elevate the texture of this cheesy casserole.
- Perfectly balanced meal includes protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and carbohydrates from spaghetti.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making meal prep easier.
- Pro tip: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving smoother.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg