Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: Looking for a delicious and comforting meal to enjoy with family and friends? Chicken spaghetti might just become your new go-to dish.
It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful sauce into a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. Whether you bake it to get that golden-brown cheesy crust or serve it right off the stovetop, this dish is easy to make and satisfies every craving.
Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to making the perfect chicken spaghetti!
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Spaghetti
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese for extra creaminess
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added veggies
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Spices:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Tools and Equipment Required
- Large pot (for boiling the spaghetti)
- Saucepan or skillet (for making the sauce)
- Baking dish (if baking the dish)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Forks or a mixer (for shredding chicken)
How to Cook Chicken for Spaghetti
You can cook the chicken in several ways. Here are two foolproof methods:
- Boiling: Place chicken breasts in a pot with salted water or broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer.
Preparing the Sauce for Chicken Spaghetti
In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and diced tomatoes. Add chicken broth to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. For extra flavor, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking the Spaghetti Noodles Perfectly
Boil water in a large pot and season it generously with salt. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles but don’t rinse—they need the starch to absorb the sauce!
Step-by-Step Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Preheat the oven (if baking) to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook and shred the chicken using your preferred method.
- Prepare the sauce by sautéing onions and garlic, then mixing in soups and broth.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente, then drain.
- Combine the sauce, noodles, and chicken in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a baking dish (if baking) and top with extra cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Mixing It All Together: Sauce, Noodles, and Chicken
Ensure the sauce coats every strand of spaghetti by mixing everything thoroughly. If you’re baking the dish, spreading the cheese evenly on top will give it that signature golden crust.
Baking or Serving the Chicken Spaghetti
While baking adds a beautiful cheesy crust, you can skip the baking step if you prefer. Just mix everything on the stovetop, warm it through, and serve!
How to Make It Extra Creamy and Flavorful
Add cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce for an indulgent twist. Want even more flavor? Toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
Substitution Ideas and Customizations
- Pasta: Swap spaghetti for penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free options.
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick fix.
- Veggies: Add spinach, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy twist.
Tips for Storing Leftover Chicken Spaghetti
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Can You Freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
Yes! Chicken spaghetti freezes beautifully. Assemble it, but skip baking. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti
Pair your chicken spaghetti with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a glass of crisp white wine.
FAQs about Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
What is Chicken Spaghetti?
Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious pasta dish made with shredded chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy tomato or cheese-based sauce. It’s a comforting meal often baked with melted cheese on top for extra flavor.
Can I use leftover chicken for Chicken Spaghetti?
Yes, leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. It saves time and adds depth to the flavor of the dish.
What type of cheese is best for Chicken Spaghetti?
Cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices, but you can also use Colby Jack or Parmesan to enhance the taste.
How do I keep the pasta from becoming soggy?
To avoid soggy noodles, cook the spaghetti until just al dente. This way, it retains texture even after baking with the sauce.
Can I make Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great meal-prep option.
Is Chicken Spaghetti freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, but skip the baking step. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
What side dishes go well with Chicken Spaghetti?
Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables are perfect sides to complement Chicken Spaghetti.
How long does Chicken Spaghetti last in the fridge?
It can last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and ensure all other ingredients, like sauces, are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Chicken spaghetti is a heartwarming dish that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. Whether you bake it for that extra cheesy top or serve it straight from the pan, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to get creative—add your favorite vegetables, switch up the cheese, or try different types of pasta. Enjoy the process and make it your own!
References
For those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of cooking Chicken Spaghetti, the following resources are invaluable. Each source offers a unique perspective, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this beloved dish:
- Allrecipes – Find a community-driven collection of Chicken Spaghetti recipes, complete with user ratings and modifications at Allrecipes.com.
- Food Network – Explore professional tips and detailed recipe guides from culinary experts on making the perfect Chicken Spaghetti at FoodNetwork.com.
- Serious Eats – Gain insights into the science behind the perfect pasta dish and discover advanced cooking techniques at SeriousEats.com.
These sources provide both foundational and innovative knowledge, ensuring that whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you have access to the best information for making delicious Chicken Spaghetti.
