Chicken Avocado Spaghetti and Cheese Sauce Bake
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Chicken Avocado Spaghetti and Cheese Sauce Bake—a creamy, comforting casserole that blends tender pasta, juicy chicken, and rich, cheesy goodness with the velvety freshness of ripe avocado. Featuring a harmonious medley of sharp cheddar and Parmesan for a decadent cheese sauce, this dish is balanced by the zing of lemon-kissed avocado for a refreshing twist. Baked to golden perfection, it's easy to prepare with just 20 minutes of prep time and delivers a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty bake is as flavorful as it is visually appealing. Whether you’re craving a comforting pasta dish or looking to elevate your usual dinner lineup, this creamy chicken pasta casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 medium (about 8 oz each) chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large, ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups, grated parmesan cheese
- 0.25 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp, chopped (optional for garnish) parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the spaghetti cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with half of the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Add the lemon juice and mash with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste without browning. Gradually whisk in the milk and stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 3/4 cups of cheddar cheese, the parmesan cheese, paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chopped chicken, mashed avocado, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3824 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 239.9 g | 308% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.0 g | 510% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 814 mg | 271% | |
| Sodium | 5856 mg | 255% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 193.4 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.4 g | 123% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.2 g | ||
| Protein | 246.8 g | 494% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2847 mg | 219% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 4273 mg | 91% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
