Chicken spaghetti is a comforting and delicious dish that combines the creamy texture of cheese and cream soup with the heartiness of chicken and spaghetti. It's an easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for family dinners or when you need to feed a crowd. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, chicken spaghetti could quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1⁄2 cup sour cream
- 1⁄2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1⁄2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1⁄4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
- 1⁄4 cup bread crumbs (optional)
Preparation Steps
Cooking the Chicken:
- Boil or bake chicken until fully cooked. Shred once cooled.
Cooking the Spaghetti:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mixing the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, bell pepper, and onion. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
Assembly and Baking
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole.
- If using, mix bread crumbs with a little bit of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti
🍝 Note: Ensure the spaghetti is not overcooked. It should be al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Variations: Try using pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add a touch of chili powder or hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free dish.
Chicken spaghetti is not only delicious but also versatile. With minor tweaks, you can cater to different tastes or dietary needs. The key to a great chicken spaghetti is ensuring a good balance of creamy and cheesy with the texture from the chicken and spaghetti.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
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Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this dish. Just shred the meat and mix it in with the other ingredients.
How long can I store leftovers?
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Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
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Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole the night before or earlier in the day, then bake when you're ready to serve.
Overall, chicken spaghetti embodies the essence of comfort food. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is bound to be a hit. It’s a recipe that feels both indulgent and homey, making it perfect for any occasion. The ability to customize it further ensures that it can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways, satisfying everyone’s palate.
