Chicken Spaghetti Bake
A creamy chicken spaghetti bake featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sherry-infused sauce, topped with cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in chicken broth and whipping cream.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add sherry, cooked spaghetti, cubed cooked chicken, and sliced mushrooms.
- Pour mixture into an ungreased 2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of whipping cream. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for the cubed cooked chicken. To add more flavor, try sautéing the mushrooms in a bit of garlic before adding them to the mixture. This Chicken Spaghetti Bake can also be enhanced with your favorite herbs like thyme or basil.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Spaghetti Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside some roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving can enhance both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti Bake contains roughly 802 calories, with 6g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1482mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. This flexibility allows you to personalize the dish to your taste.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the cover and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the Chicken Spaghetti Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the casserole, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).