This Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a cozy dish that brings together tender chicken, noodles, and cheesy goodness all in one dish. It’s comfort food at its best!
It’s so easy to make too! Just mix everything, pop it in the oven, and enjoy. I love serving it with a side salad for a complete meal. Perfect for family dinners! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Pasta: Classic choice for this bake! If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a veggie twist. Make sure to cook it just al dente, so it holds up in the oven.
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover chicken from previous meals. Shredded turkey also works great. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using cooked lentils or chickpeas instead!
Diced Tomatoes: If you’re not a fan, you can switch them out for tomato sauce or fresh diced tomatoes. For a spicy kick, use diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and cheddar are classic, but you can swap in Pepper Jack for a little heat or use a dairy-free cheese option if needed. I love a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor!
Sour Cream & Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt works instead of sour cream. For the soup, you can use homemade cream of chicken or a plant-based cream soup if you prefer.
How Do I Prepare the Onions and Garlic for Maximum Flavor?
Cooking the onions and garlic well is vital in this dish. Sautéing them releases their flavors and adds depth to your bake.
- Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions first, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute, as garlic burns quickly. You want it fragrant but not brown!
This step enriches the whole dish, making your Chicken Spaghetti Bake even tastier!
Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delightful Chicken Spaghetti Bake will take you about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for baking, totaling around 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with some cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite (al dente). Drain the spaghetti and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Mix Everything Together:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, drained diced tomatoes, the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it is well combined and evenly distributed.
5. Add the Cheese:
Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan along with the chopped parsley. This adds a lovely cheesy flavor throughout the mixture!
6. Assemble the Bake:
Transfer the delicious mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses for that gooey, melty goodness.
7. Bake It to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
8. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked spaghetti; just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing. Reheat in the oven for best results, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before mixing them into the spaghetti bake.
