Chicken Spaghetti

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Looking for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and easy to make? Look no further—Chicken Spaghetti is your new best friend. This recipe brings together tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and just the right amount of flavor to make any meal feel like a warm hug. It’s one of those dishes that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering smells and have everyone gathered around the table before you know it. Plus, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or even as a showstopper at your next dinner party. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Spaghetti isn’t just about being a filling dinner—this dish is about creating delicious moments. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

  • Versatile: Perfect for a casual dinner with the family, a weeknight meal, or even served at a gathering. You can adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger crowd with ease!
  • Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already, and you won’t need to splurge on anything fancy.
  • Quick and Easy: Don’t let the name fool you—this is a no-fuss recipe. It’s straightforward and designed to be simple, even for beginner cooks. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the veggies, add different seasonings, or even use a different type of pasta to make it your own. There’s room for creativity in this dish!
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, Chicken Spaghetti is sure to please everyone. It’s cheesy, savory, and comforting—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to make this dish an absolute hit:

Chicken Breasts

The star of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect base—they’re tender, juicy, and soak up all the flavor from the sauce. You can cook them ahead of time or use leftover rotisserie chicken for even more convenience!

Spaghetti

Spaghetti gives this dish its comforting pasta base. It holds up beautifully to the creamy sauce and gives you that familiar, satisfying bite. You can also switch it up with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This adds that creamy, velvety texture and gives the sauce its richness. It’s the key ingredient that takes the flavor to the next level without being overwhelming.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese brings all the cheesiness you crave. It melts beautifully into the sauce, creating that perfect gooey texture. A little extra on top never hurt anyone, right?

Green Bell Pepper

Green bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with the other savory ingredients and gives the dish a touch of freshness.

Onion

Onion gives the dish that deep, savory base flavor. It cooks down and softens, blending perfectly with the other ingredients for a well-rounded taste.

Garlic

Garlic is always a good idea. It adds aromatic depth and pairs beautifully with the chicken and cheese.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth adds flavor and helps to bring everything together, making the sauce smoother and adding richness without being too heavy.

Seasonings

A combination of salt, pepper, and other spices (like paprika or Italian seasoning) to make the dish pop with flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the steps to make this easy, flavorful masterpiece:

Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken. If you’re using raw chicken breasts, season them with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it’s done. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just shred it up and set it aside!

Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set it aside.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to dirty another pan!), sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened and fragrant. This will build the base of your sauce and bring out the sweetness in the veggies.

Make the Sauce

Add the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to bring everything together.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Chicken Spaghetti warm, garnished with some extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs if you’d like. Trust me, this will become a go-to comfort food!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:

  • Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the spaghetti and adds a refreshing touch.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with some warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing with roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots for a healthy, vibrant addition.
  • Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation matters too! Serve it in a beautiful dish or divide it into individual servings for a cozy, personal touch.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Chicken Spaghetti turns out perfect every time:

  • Shred the Chicken: For easy and quick prep, shred the chicken with two forks after cooking. It’ll make it mix in seamlessly with the pasta and sauce.
  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, feel free to use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s a great shortcut and still adds that homemade flavor.
  • Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Leftovers: Chicken Spaghetti makes amazing leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully, so if you make a double batch, you can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like—penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would all work wonderfully.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead recipe. You can prepare everything up to the point of baking, then store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven to heat through.

Q3: Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
A3: Yes! This dish freezes really well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Q4: Can I make this dish lighter?
A4: If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using a lighter cream soup (like cream of chicken) or reduce the amount of cheese. You can also swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Q5: Can I use a different cheese?
A5: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack will give it a different flavor and texture, but cheddar is the classic choice.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to keep the pasta from getting too mushy.

Q7: Can I add more vegetables?
A7: Of course! This dish is super flexible. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a little extra veggie boost.

Q8: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A8: Yes, you can! You can cook the chicken in the slow cooker and then add the rest of the ingredients to finish it up on the stove. It’s an easy, hands-off way to make the dish.

Q9: How do I make it spicier?
A9: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a kick. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti is one of those dishes that’s just perfect for so many occasions. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing for a get-together, this dish will make you look like a pro in the kitchen—and it’s super easy to make! So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this comforting favorite!

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Chicken Spaghetti

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This hearty and creamy chicken spaghetti casserole is a family favorite! Packed with shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and a hint of spice, it’s the perfect comfort food. Whether served fresh or stored for later, it’s always a hit!

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion
  • 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
  • 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:
    • Cook a whole fryer chicken, then shred or chop the meat into small pieces until you have 2 cups of cooked chicken.
  • Cook the Spaghetti:
    • Use the reserved chicken broth to cook the spaghetti until al dente. Be sure not to overcook. Once done, drain the spaghetti.
  • Mix the Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken, cream of mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, diced pimentos, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Assemble the Casserole:
    • Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
  • Cook or Store:
    • To Bake Immediately: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. If the cheese starts to brown too much, cover the casserole with foil.
    • To Freeze: Cover the casserole and freeze for up to 6 months.
    • To Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Serve:
    • Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later.
  • If you want to add extra veggies, try adding some chopped mushrooms or spinach to the casserole mix.
  • For a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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