Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Delicious!

Ingredients

Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need for this Chicken Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti

First, let's get your spaghetti cooking:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti and set aside. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Chicken

Now, let's prepare the chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Increase heat to medium-high, add the chicken, and cook until browned and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes.

Create the Sauce

Moving on to making that delicious sauce:

1. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet.
2. Stir well to combine, then bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Incorporate the diced tomatoes and green chiles. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Combine and Bake

Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the chicken and sauce mixture. Mix well to ensure every strand is coated with the creamy sauce.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. Top with additional cheddar or Parmesan if you like your pasta cheesy.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

👉 Note: If you're watching your diet, you can use low-fat versions of cream and cheese or substitute with Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
• Optionally, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top right before serving.

To sum up, this Chicken Spaghetti recipe offers an easy yet delightful way to enjoy pasta with a unique twist. It's comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. Whether it's for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a comforting meal, this dish is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences or spice levels. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente spaghetti creates a harmonious blend that's bound to become a household favorite.

Can I make Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?

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Absolutely, Chicken Spaghetti freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual, possibly adding some extra cheese on top to refresh the dish.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

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If you’d like to avoid using canned soup, you can create a homemade substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking it until it’s lightly browned, and then slowly whisking in 1 cup of milk and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon for flavor.