Chicken Spaghetti: A Creamy Delight for Family Dinners
Chicken Spaghetti is a mouthwatering dish that combines a creamy 3-cheese blend, including cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella.
This delicious recipe features vibrant Rotel tomatoes that enhance both the flavor and appearance of the dish, creating a perfect harmony with the rich cheese sauce.
Unlike many recipes, this one avoids canned soup, making it a fresh and wholesome choice for your family. If you’re eager to explore a delightful twist on your traditional spaghetti dinner, you’re in for a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti
This chicken spaghetti recipe stands out for its flavor and convenience. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken, transforming it into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
It’s not only make-ahead friendly but also freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it any night of the week. With this recipe, your family will never want a plain spaghetti dinner again.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this creamy chicken spaghetti, along with some pro tips, storage advice, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this creamy chicken spaghetti, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10 oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If you are starting with fresh chicken, slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner slices. Pat them dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat the olive oil in a medium-high skillet. Sear the chicken on each side for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Dice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt the butter and use a silicone spatula to scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. This technique adds depth to your sauce.
Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions, tossing to coat. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until the raw flour smell dissipates.
Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking in splashes to maintain the sauce’s thickness. Follow this with the milk, whisking until the sauce is smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients
As the sauce simmers, it’s a good time to start boiling water for the spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain it once finished.
Return to the sauce. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. It’s crucial to ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Once the cream cheese is combined, lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted. If you want to thin the sauce, consider adding a little juice from the diced tomatoes before incorporating them into the mixture along with the diced chicken.
Finally, stir in the cooked spaghetti. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish.
4. Bake the Chicken Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Top the chicken spaghetti with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. If you prefer a golden top, broil it at 475°F (245°C) for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once out of the oven, garnish your creamy chicken spaghetti with red pepper flakes and freshly chopped parsley. Serve it alongside my delicious Garlic Bread with Cheese for a perfect meal!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Spaghetti
- Leftover Chicken: Feel free to use 2 cups of cooked chicken, whether from leftover meals or rotisserie chicken. Cooking the chicken fresh will enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Shredding Cheese: Always shred cheese from a block for a creamier texture. Bagged shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which prevents melting properly.
- Temperature Matters: Don’t add the cheddar cheese to the hot sauce; this helps prevent a grainy consistency.
Make-Ahead Method
To prepare this chicken spaghetti in advance, assemble the casserole as directed. Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
When ready to bake, cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the sauce may change in consistency when reheated from frozen.
Nutritional Information
This chicken spaghetti dish is not only delicious but also provides nutritional benefits:
- Calories: 547
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 103mg
- Sodium: 641mg
- Potassium: 507mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 931IU
- Vitamin C: 11mg
- Calcium: 332mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQs
What is chicken spaghetti?
Chicken spaghetti is a creamy pasta dish that combines chicken with a rich cheese sauce and tomatoes, offering a flavorful meal.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute thin spaghetti with regular spaghetti, angel hair, or any pasta you have on hand.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this chicken spaghetti dairy-free, use dairy-free alternatives for cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Adjust the recipe according to your preference.
Conclusion
This Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful twist on a classic meal. It offers a rich blend of flavors and is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use leftover chicken easily. By following these simple steps and tips, you can enjoy a creamy, cheesy dish that your family will adore.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
References
- American Heart Association – Healthy Recipes
- USDA Food Data Central
- Mayo Clinic – Nutrition and Healthy Eating