Description
Savory Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables everywhere. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) container sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
Pasta and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 ounce / 14 grams dried spaghetti
- 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (6 ounces / 170 grams) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage for easy serving and cleaning.
- Cook the spaghetti in rapidly boiling water until it reaches a tender yet firm al dente texture, carefully draining and setting aside to prevent overcooking.
- Create the foundational mixture by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, nutrient-rich spinach, a generous portion of Monterey Jack cheese, aromatic minced garlic, and half of the crispy French Fried Onions in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Incorporate the cooked spaghetti into the prepared mixture, gently folding until each pasta strand is evenly coated with the creamy, savory ingredients.
- Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to ensure uniform distribution and consistent cooking.
- Elegantly top the casserole with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese, creating a melty layer, and sprinkle the rest of the French Fried Onions for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing it to bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the onion topping turns a golden, crispy brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the temperature to stabilize before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and create a versatile meal option.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery and compromising the creamy texture.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 396
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 681 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 99 mg