Creamy Chicken & Sausage Baked Spaghetti
Indulge in this comforting and mouthwatering Baked Spaghetti that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. The sauce is crafted from scratch, providing a fresh and vibrant taste, and the careful balance of cheeses—even with the option to customize the amount—will delight any cheese lover! The ground beef, chicken, and sausage add layers of savory goodness, while the simmered sauce seeps into every bite of the tender angel hair pasta. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish not only fills your stomach but also warms your soul. Just be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
canned diced tomatoes
2 cups (drained)
tomato sauce
2 cups (none)
tomato paste
1/3 cup (none)
water
1 cup (none)
garlic
2 cloves (chopped)
diced onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Italian spices
1.5 teaspoons (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chopped parsley
1/4 cup (none)
bay leaves
2 small (whole)
ground beef
1 lb (raw)
boneless chicken breasts
2 (raw and chopped)
diced sausage
1 cup (any variety, I use Mild Smoked Sausage)
angel hair pasta
8 ounces (cooked and drained)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sliced swiss cheese
4 ounces (optional)
grated cheddar cheese
1 cup (optional)
grated monterey jack cheese
1 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, garlic, onion, Italian spices, salt, sugar, parsley, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the sauce to simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, combine the ground beef, chopped chicken, and diced sausage. Cook over medium heat until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4
After the meat is cooked, add it to the simmered tomato mixture. Allow it to simmer for an additional 20 minutes, uncovered, to enhance the flavors.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
In a 13x9x2 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato meat sauce across the bottom.
7
Add a layer of angel hair pasta on top of the sauce. Pinch pieces of softened cream cheese over the pasta, followed by a layer of swiss cheese, and half of the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
8
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of the meat sauce on top.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10
After 30 minutes, uncover and sprinkle any remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 more minutes.
11
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked spaghetti!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken & Sausage Baked Spaghetti?
It is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring a homemade tomato meat sauce, three types of meat, and a blend of four different cheeses.
Which meats are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for ground beef, boneless chicken breasts, and diced sausage, such as mild smoked sausage.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
Angel hair pasta is used in this recipe for its tender texture that allows the sauce to seep into every bite.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer initially?
The sauce mixture should simmer covered for 1 hour on low heat to properly develop its flavors.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before baking the dish.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
It bakes for a total of 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can use any variety of diced sausage, though the recipe suggests using Mild Smoked Sausage.
What four cheeses are used in the layering process?
The recipe uses softened cream cheese, sliced swiss cheese, grated cheddar, and grated Monterey Jack cheese.
Do I need to cook the meats separately?
Yes, the ground beef, chopped chicken, and diced sausage should be browned in a skillet until fully cooked before adding them to the sauce.
How should I layer the baked spaghetti?
Layer meat sauce on the bottom, followed by pasta, cream cheese, swiss, and half the other cheeses; repeat until finished and end with meat sauce.
Is the swiss cheese mandatory for this recipe?
The sliced swiss cheese is listed as optional, so you can omit it or adjust the amount to your preference.
What size baking dish should I use?
The recipe requires a 13x9x2 inch baking dish to accommodate the layers.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
Covering the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking helps keep the moisture in and prevents the top from burning.
Does this recipe use store-bought sauce?
No, the sauce is crafted from scratch using diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and a blend of spices.
Is this dish suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for family dinners or potlucks due to its savory flavor and heartiness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 6 servings.
Should the angel hair pasta be pre-cooked?
Yes, the angel hair pasta should be cooked and drained according to package instructions before you begin the layering process.
What seasonings are in the homemade sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with garlic, diced onion, Italian spices, salt, sugar, parsley, and bay leaves.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless chicken breasts, but you could substitute other boneless chicken cuts if you prefer.
Is there sugar in the sauce recipe?
Yes, a half teaspoon of sugar is added to the sauce mixture to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
While the recipe calls for Monterey Jack, you can use more cheddar or any other mild, good-melting cheese as a substitute.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot?
Stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering over low heat to ensure it does not stick or burn.
Should I drain the canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies that the canned diced tomatoes should be drained before use.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic to be chopped before being added to the sauce.
What is the purpose of the cream cheese?
Pinched pieces of softened cream cheese are added between layers to provide a rich, creamy texture to the pasta.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding the meat?
After the browned meat is added to the tomato mixture, it should simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, while the recipe adds them for flavor during the simmering process, whole bay leaves should be removed before serving.
How long should the dish cool after baking?
Let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow it to set for easier serving.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of water to be mixed into the initial sauce ingredients.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for the 1 lb of ground beef if you prefer a different meat profile.