Cheesy Crispy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Gooey Cheesy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake Recipe to Savor

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy chicken spinach spaghetti bake that promises to satisfy every craving.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender pasta and succulent chicken pieces.

Vibrant spinach adds a pop of color and nutritional punch to this hearty dish.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of simple ingredients turns an ordinary weeknight meal into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together effortlessly.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this mouthwatering spaghetti bake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 7

Pantry Picks for Cheesy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake

For Pasta and Base:
  • Spaghetti: The hearty foundation that adds delightful texture and substance to the casserole, choose fresh or high-quality dried pasta for best results.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Smooth and creamy base that binds ingredients together, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.
For Protein and Green Elements:
  • Cooked Chicken, Spinach: Lean protein and nutritious greens that create a balanced and satisfying meal, select tender chicken breast and fresh or frozen spinach for maximum flavor.
For Creamy and Cheesy Elements:
  • Sour Cream, Monterey Jack Cheese, Minced Garlic: Luxurious dairy components that add richness and depth, choose full-fat sour cream for creaminess and fresh garlic for vibrant taste.
For Crunchy Topping:
  • French Fried Onions: Crispy, golden crown that provides irresistible crunch and tangy flavor, select name-brand onions for consistent texture.

Cooking Tool for Cheesy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for holding and baking the casserole evenly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Colander: Needed to drain spaghetti after cooking.
  • Measuring cup: Helps accurately measure cheese and other ingredients.
  • Cooking spray: Prevents the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients together.
  • Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes and removing from oven.

Easy Guide to Cheesy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake

  • Oven Preparation Warm up the cooking space to a toasty temperature, creating the perfect environment for a delicious meal.
  • Pasta Foundation Boil the spaghetti until it reaches a perfect soft yet firm texture, then let it rest and drain.
  • Flavor Symphony Blend together tender chicken pieces, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, vibrant spinach, and zesty garlic in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in a generous handful of melty cheese for extra richness.
  • Mixing Magic Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the luscious chicken mixture, ensuring every strand gets coated with incredible flavors.
  • Baking Finale Transfer the entire mixture into a welcoming baking dish. Crown the creation with a final layer of cheese and crispy onion toppings. Let it bake until the top turns golden and the inside becomes wonderfully bubbly and irresistible.

Helpful Notes for Cheesy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake

  • Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
  • Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the dish.
  • Experiment with alternative cheese blends like mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan to customize the recipe's richness and taste.
  • Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Best Plating Ideas for Cheesy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake

  • Serve with Fresh Greens: Pair the casserole with a crisp garden salad tossed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish.
  • Complement with Crusty Bread: Add warm garlic bread or toasted French baguette slices to soak up the delicious sauce and provide extra texture.
  • Create a Family-Style Feast: Dish out the casserole directly from the baking dish for a cozy, comforting meal that encourages sharing and conversation around the dinner table.
  • Add Zesty Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to bring a bright, fresh note and enhance the visual appeal of the cheesy chicken spinach bake.

Planning Meals Around Cheesy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake

  • Refrigerate Leftovers Quickly: Store remaining casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Extend Meal Longevity: Keep refrigerated portions good for 3-4 days. Seal tightly with plastic wrap or a secure lid to lock in flavor and moisture.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen portions stay delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain the casserole's creamy texture.
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Cheesy Crispy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Cheesy Crispy Chicken Spinach Spaghetti Bake Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty cheesy chicken spinach spaghetti bake delivers comfort with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Creamy pasta layers blend tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti
  • 16 oz (454 g) sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 10.5-oz (298 g) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
  • 10 oz (283 g) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 6 oz (170 g) French Fried Onions, divided

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Pasta Cooking: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly in a colander, ensuring minimal moisture remains.
  3. Ingredient Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half the French fried onions, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Assembly: Gently fold the drained spaghetti into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete coating of each pasta strand, then transfer to the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
  5. Topping and Baking: Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack cheese and French fried onions over the casserole, then bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until heated through, edges are bubbling, and the topping achieves a golden-brown crispness.

Notes

  • Drain Thoroughly: Remove all excess water from spinach and pasta to prevent a watery, soggy casserole that could ruin the dish’s creamy texture.
  • Uniform Chicken Cutting: Cut chicken into consistent bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor in every serving.
  • Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle cheese evenly across the top and mix well within the mixture to create a perfect melty, cheesy experience in each bite.
  • Crispy Topping Technique: Spread French fried onions carefully to achieve a golden-brown, crunchy layer that adds delightful texture and flavor contrast to the creamy pasta.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 525
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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