Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible cheesy chicken spaghetti that blends creamy textures with savory chicken. Hearty pasta strands intermingle with melted cheese and tender chicken, promising a deeply satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
Pasta and Base:
- 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Cheese and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate shredded chicken and both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the cheese and chicken mixture, coating each strand thoroughly with the rich, velvety sauce.
- Transfer the saucy pasta blend into a generously greased rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350°F and allow the casserole to bake until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape of melted cheese.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Optional: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions across the surface for a fresh, vibrant garnish before serving the piping hot chicken spaghetti.
Notes
- Choose tender, pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie for extra flavor and convenience.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Use low-fat cream soups and reduced-fat cheeses for a lighter version without compromising taste.
- Customize by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg