Chicken Spaghetti

Craving a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd? Look no further than Chicken Spaghetti! This dish is everything you love about classic spaghetti, but with the addition of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a bit of cheesy goodness that will make you want to go back for seconds. It’s simple, satisfying, and the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite for years to come. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can make it your own with various seasonings and vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or bringing something to a potluck, this Chicken Spaghetti is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Spaghetti has it all: comfort, flavor, and ease! Here’s why it’s going to win you over:

Hearty and Filling

This dish is packed with protein and carbs, making it a filling and well-rounded meal. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines everything you need in a single dish—no need for extra sides!

Creamy and Cheesy

The creamy sauce, combined with melty cheese, creates a comforting, indulgent texture that’ll have you coming back for more. It’s rich but not overly heavy.

Quick and Easy

Despite its comforting and filling nature, Chicken Spaghetti comes together pretty quickly. With simple ingredients and easy steps, even beginner cooks can feel confident making this dish.

Customizable

Feel free to tweak this recipe to your liking! Add extra veggies, spice it up with a little cayenne, or use a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless, and it’s sure to taste amazing no matter how you make it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Chicken Spaghetti:

• Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, this is the star of the dish. Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook up fresh chicken breasts or thighs.
• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that forms the base of the dish. You can use any kind of pasta, but spaghetti is a traditional favorite.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates a creamy, smooth sauce base. You can also use cream of chicken or a low-fat version if you prefer.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, juicy element to the dish, balancing out the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings a sharp, melty, cheesy goodness to the dish that’s absolutely irresistible.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds an extra layer of savory, umami flavor to the sauce.
• Onion: Sauteed onions give the dish a nice aromatic base that complements the chicken and pasta.
• Bell Pepper: Adds color and a subtle sweetness to the dish (optional).
• Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with rich flavor and depth.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a saucy base for the pasta and chicken, making the whole dish come together nicely.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a dash of Italian seasoning to round out the flavors.

(Note: Exact measurements will be provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious Chicken Spaghetti? Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet or pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat until softened—about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Add the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to heat the chicken through.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce and coat the pasta.

Step 7: Bake (Optional)

If you want to take this dish to the next level, you can transfer the pasta to a greased baking dish, sprinkle some extra cheese on top, and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your Chicken Spaghetti is fully mixed and coated with that creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s ready to serve! Garnish with a little extra cheese or chopped parsley, if desired, and dig in.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 20g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Spaghetti is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the spaghetti.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce. A crowd favorite for sure!
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots make for the perfect side, adding some nutritious color to the meal.
• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like sliced melon or berries adds a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.

Additional Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a time crunch, use rotisserie chicken! It’s a great shortcut and already packed with flavor.
• Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
• Add Extra Veggies: You can throw in extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to make the dish even heartier and more colorful.
• One-Pot Version: If you want to cut down on the number of dishes, you can make this all in one pot. Just make sure to cook the pasta in the same pan as the sauce!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the whole dish up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven or on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Q3: Can I make this dish without cheese?
A3: You can, though the cheese adds a wonderful creamy texture and flavor. If you’re dairy-free, you can try using dairy-free cheese alternatives or simply leave it out.

Q4: Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q5: Can I use leftover chicken from a roast or a chicken breast?
A5: Absolutely! Leftover chicken is perfect for this dish. It saves time and adds great flavor.

Q6: How do I make Chicken Spaghetti spicier?
A6: You can add red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.

Q7: What can I use if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A7: You can substitute with cream of chicken soup, or make your own creamy sauce by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, and a bit of flour.

Q8: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A8: Yes! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can chop them up and use them in place of the canned diced tomatoes.

Q9: How do I make this dish more vegetable-packed?
A9: Add in extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrients and flavor.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Absolutely! This recipe is easily doubled. Just make sure you have a large enough pot or baking dish to accommodate the extra servings.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With easy ingredients, customizable options, and a quick cook time, it’s the perfect dinner for any night of the week. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s destined to become a favorite in your home!

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