My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves

Introduction

When it comes to family gatherings or potluck dinners, my famous chicken spaghetti is always a hit. This dish has become a staple in my household, and it’s easy to see why. The creamy texture of the sauce combined with the tender chicken and cheesy goodness creates a comfort food experience that brings everyone back for seconds. My kids often ask for this dish, and I love how it brings smiles to their faces. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this chicken spaghetti recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into two-inch pieces
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 jar (4-ounce) diced pimentos, drained
• 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon (to 1/4 teaspoon) cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Begin by cooking one cut-up fryer chicken. You’ll want to make sure it’s tender and fully cooked. Once cooked, pick out the meat to make about two cups.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

2. In the same pot where you cooked the chicken, bring the reserved chicken broth to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti and cook until al dente. Be careful not to overcook; you want the spaghetti to have a slight bite.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, diced onion, diced pimentos, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

4. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole pan. Make sure to spread it evenly for uniform cooking.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

5. Sprinkle the additional cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

6. You can either bake immediately or freeze for later use. If baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted. If the cheese on top starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve hot directly from the oven.
• Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
• Offer garlic bread on the side for a delicious carb addition.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or additional diced green pepper for a pop of color.
• Allow guests to add extra cheese or hot sauce to their servings if desired.

Additional Tips

1. Cook the Chicken in Advance: To save time, cook the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
2. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
3. Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach for added nutrition.
4. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your family’s taste; you can leave it out for a milder dish.
5. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance, just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Recipe Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti: Add buffalo sauce for a spicy kick and use blue cheese instead of cheddar.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or additional vegetables for a hearty meatless meal.
• Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake: Add more layers of cheese between the spaghetti layers for an even cheesier dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic knots or breadsticks for dipping.
• A crisp Caesar salad pairs well to cut through the richness of the casserole.
• For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh fruit salad.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to six months.
• Refrigeration: If stored in the refrigerator, the casserole will last for up to two days.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

• Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.

1. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

• You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or even homemade white sauce.

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

• Yes, use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure the broth and soup are gluten-free.

1. How can I make this dish spicier?

• Add more cayenne pepper or incorporate diced jalapeños.

1. Is it okay to add more vegetables?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add in your favorite veggies.

1. How do I know when the casserole is done?

• It’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges start to brown slightly.

1. Can I make this a one-pot dish?

• You can cook the spaghetti directly in the broth, but you’ll need a large pot!

1. Can I prepare this without baking it?

• Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop until heated through, but baking enhances the flavors.

1. How long can I store leftovers?

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

1. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

• Yes! The creamy, cheesy flavor is usually a hit with kids.

Conclusion

My famous chicken spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s a memory-maker. It’s a dish that gathers family and friends around the table, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese makes it a comfort food classic. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to be loved by all. So grab your ingredients and start cooking; you’ll have a delicious chicken spaghetti that everyone will rave about!

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