3 Cheese Pizza Chicken Bake Recipe

This incredible 3 Cheese Pizza Chicken Bake combines everything you love about pizza with tender chicken and nutritious spaghetti squash for a healthy, satisfying meal. The harmonious blend of three delicious cheeses, zesty sauce, and classic pizza toppings creates a mouthwatering dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe delivers big Italian flavors without the guilt of traditional pizza!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Fuss Comfort Food: All the flavors of pizza in a hearty, protein-packed casserole that satisfies those pizza cravings while keeping things nutritious.
• Veggie-Packed Goodness: Spaghetti squash creates a lighter base than traditional pasta, sneaking in extra vegetables that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep components ahead of time and assemble when ready, making this perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.
• Customizable: Like any good pizza-inspired dish, you can easily adapt the toppings and cheese blend to suit your family’s preferences.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breast: The protein star of the show, sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Spaghetti squash: A brilliant low-carb alternative to pasta that adds a slightly sweet flavor and interesting texture.
• Pizza and arrabbiata sauce: The combination creates the perfect balance of rich tomato flavor and spice. Rao’s Margherita brings authentic pizza flavor, while the arrabbiata adds a gentle kick.
• Bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and onion: Fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and that classic pizza topping experience.
• Garlic: Adds depth and that unmistakable Italian aroma that makes this dish irresistible.
• Turkey pepperoni: A leaner alternative to traditional pepperoni that still delivers that classic pizza flavor.
• Cheese trio (mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina): Each cheese brings something special – mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for sharp flavor, and Fontina for creamy richness.
• Olive oil: Just a touch to help vegetables caramelize and chicken sear properly.
• Seasonings: The classic combination of oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes brings authentic Italian pizza flavors.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Swap the chicken for turkey cutlets, Italian chicken sausage, or even ground turkey seasoned with Italian herbs.

Veggie Variations

Try mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or black olives for different pizza-inspired combinations.

Cheese Swaps

No Fontina? Try provolone, Gouda, or Asiago. Each will bring a unique character to the dish.

Spice It Up

Add more red pepper flakes or try sliced fresh jalapeños for a spicier version.

How to Make 3 Cheese Pizza Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut spaghetti squash in half and remove seeds. Rub the cut sides with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season with garlic seasoning. Bake for 35-40 minutes until tender. Once cool enough to handle, scrape out the strands with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onions, sautéing until tender and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Mix pizza and pasta sauces in a bowl until well combined. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Layer the Vegetables

Add spaghetti squash, halved tomatoes, garlic, and sautéed peppers and onions to the baking dish. Gently toss to combine. Top with another layer of sauce, reserving about half for later. Sprinkle about two-thirds of the spices over this layer.

Step 5: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Heat the remaining teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 1 minute per side until nicely browned. Place the seared chicken on top of the spaghetti squash mixture.

Step 6: Final Assembly and Baking

Top the chicken with remaining sauce, sprinkle with the three cheeses, add the remaining seasonings, and arrange pepperoni on top. Bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally. For extra browning, briefly broil at the end of cooking time.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Brine the Chicken: For incredibly juicy chicken, take the time to brine it beforehand. This simple step transforms the texture and flavor.
• Uniform Chicken Thickness: Pound or slice the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly and remains tender.
• Don’t Overcook the Squash: When preparing the spaghetti squash, cook just until tender. Overcooked squash can become mushy in the final dish.
• Layer Strategically: Putting sauce directly on the bottom of the dish prevents sticking and helps everything meld together during baking.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a complete meal.

Bread Options

A slice of garlic bread or warm Italian bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce.

Wine Suggestions

Pair with a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to complement the rich tomato flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Components Ahead

Prepare the spaghetti squash and sauté vegetables up to 2 days in advance. Store in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze individual portions for easy future meals.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of spaghetti squash?
Absolutely! You can substitute about 8 oz of cooked pasta for the spaghetti squash. Just remember to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and pepperoni, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. For protein, consider adding white beans or replacing the chicken with slices of firm tofu that have been pressed and seasoned.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I adjust the heat level?
Sure thing! Simply omit the red pepper flakes and use regular marinara sauce instead of arrabbiata. You’ll still get all the delicious pizza flavors without the heat.

Can I prepare this in advance for a busy weeknight?
This is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare all components and assemble the dish up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

This 3 Cheese Pizza Chicken Bake brings together the comfort of pizza and the satisfaction of a hearty chicken dinner in one fantastic dish. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful spaghetti squash, and three delicious cheeses creates a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving dinner on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers big flavor without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch as everyone asks for seconds!

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