Danish Spaghetti
Danish Spaghetti is a hearty, cheesy casserole blending pasta with sausage, chicken, ham, spinach, and mushrooms, topped with Velveeta for a creamy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 large pkg. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 ring sausage ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken, bite size pieces ⓘ
- ham as desired, bite size pieces ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pkg. frozen spinach ⓘ
- 1 carton fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium can tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 small box Velveeta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry chopped onion in a little butter until transparent.
- Add drained cooked spaghetti, sausage, chicken, ham, frozen spinach, sliced mushrooms, tomato sauce, and chili powder to the pan.
- Add some broth to the mixture and stir well.
- Cut Velveeta cheese into small chunks and add to the mixture.
- Add more broth as needed to make the mixture quite soupy.
- Butter a casserole dish and pour in the mixture.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the dish, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. If you're out of Velveeta, cream cheese or a similar melting cheese can be substituted. For a lighter option, try using whole wheat spaghetti and fresh spinach instead of frozen. This dish is versatile, so feel free to mix in leftover vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Danish Spaghetti with a light side salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Italian Wedding Soup (Low-Fat, Low Calorie) for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated parmesan for added flavor. This dish is also a great option for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can be made in advance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danish Spaghetti contains roughly 93 calories, with 7g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1758mg per serving (76% 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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the sausage, chicken, or ham with any cooked meat you prefer or have on hand, such as turkey or beef. Just ensure that any raw meats are fully cooked before adding them to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meats and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might also consider adding more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).