Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is comfort food at its finest – creamy, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor. The tender shredded chicken and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a rich, velvety sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready in just over an hour, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts: The star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying. They’re gently cooked to stay tender and juicy.
• Spaghetti: Forms the backbone of this casserole. Cook it just until al dente as it will continue to soften in the oven.
• Ro*Tel Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes with green chilies add the perfect mild kick and acidity to balance the creamy elements.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a rich, velvety base for the sauce without requiring you to make a roux from scratch.
• Velveeta cheese: This processed cheese melts beautifully and creates that signature creamy, smooth texture that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
• Cream cheese: Adds an extra layer of richness and tanginess that elevates the entire dish.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These seasonings provide depth of flavor without the need to chop fresh aromatics.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: The finishing touch that creates that irresistible golden, bubbly topping we all fight over.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Try these delicious variations:

• Veggie-Loaded: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a boost of nutrition and color.
• Southwest Style: Mix in a can of black beans, corn, and a teaspoon of cumin for a Tex-Mex inspired version.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or up the heat with a few dashes of hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch before baking.

How to Make Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a large pot and just cover with water. Cook over medium-low heat until thoroughly cooked but not boiling (boiling can toughen the meat). Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks.

Step 2: Prep the Pasta and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

In a large pot, combine the Ro*Tel tomatoes (with juice), undiluted cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese, and cream cheese. Heat over low, stirring constantly until all cheeses have completely melted. Add garlic powder and onion powder for flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the cheese sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated. Transfer this creamy mixture to your prepared baking dish and top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese topping has melted to a beautiful golden finish.

How to Serve

This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with several sides:

Simple Sides:

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Veggie Companions:

Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables make excellent nutritious sides that complement the creamy pasta perfectly.

Bread Options:

Garlic bread or a crusty French baguette is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making for delicious next-day lunches.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Note: Always allow the dish to cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or place the entire casserole (if there’s enough left) in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.

For frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Bake at the original temperature until hot and bubbly, approximately 30-40 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is more than just a meal – it’s a hug in casserole form! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need some good old-fashioned comfort food, this dish delivers big on flavor while keeping preparation simple. The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create an irresistible combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try next time you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious!

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