Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Chicken Spaghetti is a comfort food classic that brings together the richness of shredded chicken, the creaminess of soups, and the warmth of spices. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, combining the flavors of tender chicken, spaghetti, and a cheesy, creamy sauce with just a touch of heat from diced tomatoes with green chilies. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small gathering, this Chicken Spaghetti recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal dish for all skill levels.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the mixture from sticking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 3: Add the diced onion, diced green bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Gently stir in the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: If the mixture feels too thick, add the chicken broth in small increments and stir to achieve your desired consistency. The broth adds extra flavor while keeping the dish moist.

Step 6: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.

Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the spaghetti mixture, ensuring it covers the entire dish for a delicious cheesy layer.

Step 8: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the dish begin to brown slightly.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheese or freshly chopped parsley if desired.

COOKING Note:

• If you prefer your Chicken Spaghetti to have a little extra crunch, consider adding a topping of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking. This will give the dish a golden, crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
• For those who love a bit of spice, you can use a spicier version of diced tomatoes with green chilies or even add chopped jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• Chicken Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced dinner.
• Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• For a refreshing contrast, you could also serve it alongside a cool cucumber salad or coleslaw.

Tips:

• You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts beforehand. If you’re cooking the chicken, boiling it in chicken broth will enhance the flavor.
• Substitute cheeses: While cheddar cheese is the standard choice, you can switch things up with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for added heat.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream soups and cheese.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 1200mg

FAQS:

1. Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the pasta to ensure it is properly cooked.

2. Can I make Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Prepare it fully, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until warmed through.

4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free spaghetti and ensure the canned soups are certified gluten-free.

5. What can I add for more vegetables?
You can easily add more vegetables to this dish. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or peas can be mixed into the casserole before baking for extra nutrition.

Conclusion:

Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavors from the combination of tender chicken, savory soups, diced tomatoes, and spices, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, while the rich flavors make it a family favorite. Plus, with a few simple adjustments, you can customize this dish to your liking—whether it’s making it spicier, lighter, or adding more veggies. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a staple on your dinner table!

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