Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Chicken spaghetti is a dish that holds a special place in my recipe book; it’s a delightful twist on the classic spaghetti, blending the richness of a casserole with the comfort of pasta and poultry.

At its core, the recipe involves tender pieces of chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy, often cheesy sauce that bakes into a satisfying meal. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to a great chicken spaghetti lies in the balance of flavors and textures, ensuring each mouthful is as comforting as the last.

My approach to chicken spaghetti typically includes a base of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, which provides a silky texture and deep flavor. I enjoy adding cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or even Velveeta for that irresistible gooeyness.

Then, for a punch of zest and color, Rotel tomatoes sneak their way into my ingredient list. Spices, too, play their part; a little paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder can elevate the dish without overshadowing the natural goodness of the ingredients.

Whether you’re seeking a quick dinner option or planning a meal for a cozy gathering, chicken spaghetti fits the bill. Incorporating a mix of pantry staples and fresh elements, this dish is versatile for the creative home chef.

It’s a testament to the joy of homemade meals, combining nourishment with flavors that remind us of family, home, and the simplicities of gathering around the dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For my go-to chicken spaghetti recipe, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients. I like to keep everything organized before I start cooking, which I find makes the process smoother.

Pasta:

• 1 package of angel hair pasta or spaghetti noodles

Proteins:

• 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded

Vegetables:

• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• Garlic, minced (to taste)
• 1 jar (4-ounce) diced pimentos, drained

Cheeses:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Velveeta Cheese, optional for creaminess

Condiments and seasonings:

• Canned Ro*tel tomatoes, similar to diced tomatoes with green chilis
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (1 tsp or to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids:

• 2 cups of chicken broth (reserved from cooking the chicken or store-bought)

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a heartwarming bowl of chicken spaghetti. Remember to pre-cook your chicken—roasting or boiling works well—and shred it before getting started on the spaghetti. Also, feel free to adjust the spices according to your preferences for a personalized touch.

How To Make

To make a satisfying plate of chicken spaghetti, I start by cooking a package of angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. It’s a great base for the dish and cooks pretty quickly, which is a bonus on busy evenings.

Here’s what I do next:

• Cook the Chicken: I usually opt for a quick method like sautéing diced chicken breast, but using rotisserie chicken or leftover oven-baked chicken breasts can save a lot of time.

Ingredients	Instruction
Chicken	Cook until no longer pink.
Spaghetti	Boil until al dente. Drain.
Veggies	Dice peppers and onions finely.
Cheese	Grate sharp cheddar for the sauce.

• Prepare the Sauce: A simple sauce could involve a can of cream of mushroom soup mixed with cheese, like in this Pioneer Woman recipe, or a homemade version might start with a roux of butter and flour, milk, and cheese, as described by The Kitchn.

After combining the cooked pasta, chicken, sauce, and any veggies like diced green peppers, onions, and pimentos, I transfer everything into a baking dish.

• Bake: If I’m in the mood for something a bit more decadent, I top it with more cheese and bake it until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

Lastly, seasoning is key. A sprinkle of seasoned salt or a dash of spices can really elevate the flavors. There you have it, a heartwarming chicken spaghetti dish ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for the Best

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFVkBW43_FA&embed=true

When I make chicken spaghetti, there are a few tricks I’ve learned to ensure it turns out delicious every time. Let me share with you.

Cooking the Spaghetti: I find that cooking the spaghetti until it’s just al dente, not fully soft, is key. It continues to cook in the casserole, so this prevents it from becoming mushy.

• Chicken: For the chicken, I prefer to use cooked shredded chicken, which can come from a roast chicken or even leftovers. It absorbs the flavors beautifully and gives a great texture to the dish.

• Cheese: Nothing beats the richness of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. It melts better and has a bolder flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Seasonings: I suggest tasting as you go and adjusting the seasonings to your liking. A little extra dash of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper can make a big difference.

• Sauce: A mix of cream of mushroom soup and cheese creates a creamy, indulgent sauce. But if you’re feeling adventurous, making a homemade from scratch sauce is worth the effort for that unbeatable homemade taste.

Vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the mix brings out their natural sweetness and flavors. I like to include finely diced green pepper and onion for that extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Remember, the best dish is made with love and attention to detail, so take your time and enjoy the process!

What to Serve With Chicken Spaghetti

When I serve chicken spaghetti, I like to balance the meal with sides that complement its rich and savory flavors. Here’s my go-to list of side dishes:

• Salads

  • A simple kale salad adds freshness to the meal. I toss it with tomatoes, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries for a mix of textures.
  • For a crunch, a Caesar salad with crisp romaine and a tangy dressing pairs well.

• Breads

  • Cheddar Bay Biscuits provide a buttery and cheesy contrast.
  • Garlic bread is a classic, its garlicky flavor melds perfectly with the pasta.

• Vegetable Sides

  • Grilled asparagus or roasted garlic potatoes are my picks for something warm and hearty.
  • Sweet potato fries or stuffed mushrooms for a hint of sweetness or umami.

Remember, the ideal side dish enhances the main course without overshadowing it. Happy dining!

How to Store, Freeze & Reheat

When I make chicken spaghetti, I often end up with leftovers, which is great for meal planning! Here’s my method for storing, freezing, and reheating this delicious dish to ensure it stays as tasty as when it was freshly made.

Storing:

• Allow the chicken spaghetti to cool to room temperature.
• Place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• Divide the chicken spaghetti into portion-sized containers — this makes it easier to defrost just what I need later.
• I use freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date.
• Chicken spaghetti can be frozen for about 2-3 months.

Reheating:
For best results, I follow these steps:

1. Refrigerated Chicken Spaghetti:

   • Microwave: Heat in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
   • Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes.

2. Frozen Chicken Spaghetti:

   • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
   • Follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated chicken spaghetti.

Reheating tips:

• Adding a splash of water or broth can help to keep it moist.
• Always ensure the spaghetti is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

I find that chicken spaghetti even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together — an added bonus of making a big batch!

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