Are you craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family? Look no further than my delectable homemade chicken spaghetti recipe! This classic comfort food dish combines tender chicken, savory spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a truly irresistible meal.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour
- Features a creamy, cheesy sauce made with Velveeta and Ro*Tel tomatoes
- Comforting and satisfying, perfect for family dinners
- Can be frozen or refrigerated for later enjoyment
- Packs a nutritional punch with 51g of protein per serving
Understanding the Classic Comfort Dish
Comfort food is about dishes that make us feel better, often linked to our childhood. Chicken spaghetti is a thick, rich casserole. It mixes cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and Rotel tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Its hearty nature and ability to feed many make it popular.
What Makes it a Comfort Food
The dish’s comfort comes from tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a velvety cheese sauce. Familiar ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, and Velveeta cheese add to its nostalgic charm.
Origins and Popularity
The chicken spaghetti casserole comes from Southern cuisine, a staple family meal. It has become a beloved comfort food across the United States.
Key Ingredients Overview
The key ingredients for chicken spaghetti are cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and cream of mushroom soup. It also includes cream cheese, Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and spices. These ingredients create a rich, creamy flavor that defines this dish as a comfort food classic.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs | 2 pounds |
Cream of mushroom soup | 2 (10.5 ounce) cans |
Spaghetti, broken into thirds | 1 pound |
White or yellow onions, divided | 2 small |
Garlic cloves | 2 |
Green bell pepper, diced | 1/2 cup |
Red bell pepper, diced | 1/2 cup |
Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided | 2 1/2 cups |
Seasoned salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Chicken broth from cooking chicken | 2 cups |
The combination of tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a velvety cheese sauce creates a comforting and satisfying dish.
Essential Ingredients and Preparation Tips
Making the perfect chicken spaghetti dish needs the right ingredients and some helpful tips. You’ll need tender chicken breasts and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Each part is key to a great comfort food experience.
The chicken spaghetti ingredients are at the heart of this recipe. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, spaghetti, and Ro*Tel tomatoes. Also, cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and sharp cheddar cheese. Cooking the pasta al dente is important to keep it just right during baking.
For a flavor you like, pick the right Ro*Tel tomatoes. If you want a creamier sauce, swap cream of chicken soup for mushroom. Velveeta cheese adds a special flavor. Cream cheese makes it creamier, and sharp cheddar cheese on top is perfect for a cheese pull.
Ingredient | Quantity | Price |
---|---|---|
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 (about 1.5 lbs) | $6.25 |
Spaghetti | 8 oz | $1.50 |
Ro*Tel Tomatoes | 1 (10 oz) can | $1.29 |
Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 (10.75 oz) can | $1.25 |
Velveeta Cheese | 8 oz block | $3.99 |
Cream Cheese | 4 oz | $1.99 |
Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | $0.50 |
Onion Powder | 1 tsp | $0.50 |
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | $2.99 |
By following these cooking tips and using these ingredients, you’ll make a delicious chicken spaghetti dish. It will be a comfort food hit with your family and friends.
Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Make your comfort food even better with this Chicken Spaghetti recipe. It’s easy to follow, from cooking the chicken to making the creamy cheese sauce. Your family will love it.
Preparing the Chicken
First, cook the chicken in water until it’s done. Then, shred it into small pieces. This makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Next, mix the Ro*tel, cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta, and cream cheese in a saucepan. Heat it until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season it to taste.
Assembly and Baking Process
When the chicken and sauce are ready, add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the cheese mixture. Stir well to mix everything. Put the mixture in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
Top it with a lot of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble.
This recipe takes just 35 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and tasty homemade meal. Enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 518 |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Protein | 22g |
Fat | 30g |
Saturated Fat | 18g |
Cholesterol | 95mg |
Sodium | 606mg |
Potassium | 377mg |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 3g |
Vitamin A | 970IU |
Vitamin C | 18.6mg |
Calcium | 425mg |
Iron | 2.1mg |
Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor
Making the perfect chicken spaghetti casserole is about getting the texture and flavor just right. Here are some tips to help you improve your dish:
To avoid dry chicken, poach the chicken breasts gently instead of baking them. This keeps the meat tender and juicy. Cook the pasta until it’s almost al dente. It will soften more during baking.
For extra flavor, try using different Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies. You can choose from mild to spicy options. Adding a block of cream cheese also makes the dish creamy and rich, balancing the sharpness of the cheddar.
- Poach chicken gently to prevent toughness
- Cook pasta just under al dente to avoid mushiness
- Adjust spiciness with different Ro*Tel varieties
- Stir in cream cheese for extra creaminess
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor
If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, let it come to room temperature before baking. This ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t break in the oven. You can also assemble it up to the baking stage, then freeze or refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
By following these tips, you’ll make a chicken spaghetti casserole that’s both perfect in texture and full of flavor. Enjoy your delicious dish!
Conclusion
Chicken spaghetti is a dish loved by many. It’s a mix of pasta, chicken, and creamy cheese sauce. This makes it a hearty and tasty meal for the whole family.
This recipe is easy to make and can be frozen for later. It’s a great best chicken spaghetti recipe for a family-friendly meal.
You can change it up by adding different cheeses, veggies, and spices. This makes it a perfect comfort food dish for any taste. It’s great for any meal, from a weeknight dinner to a special occasion.
This dish is a tasty and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With simple steps and helpful tips, you can make a top-notch chicken spaghetti at home. So, why not try it and enjoy a cozy, homemade meal?
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare this chicken spaghetti dish?
It takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare this chicken spaghetti recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves 6 people.
What are the main ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients are angel hair pasta, cooked chicken breast, and cream of chicken soup. You’ll also need diced tomatoes with green chiles, processed cheese, and mushrooms.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken spaghetti?
Each serving has 376 calories.
What makes chicken spaghetti considered a comfort food?
Chicken spaghetti is a thick, creamy casserole. It combines spaghetti, chicken, and Rotel tomatoes in a cheesy sauce. This makes it a classic comfort food.
What are some of the essential ingredients in chicken spaghetti?
You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts, spaghetti, and Ro*Tel tomatoes. Also, cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and sharp cheddar cheese are essential.
How do I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
Cook the chicken in water until it’s done. Then, shred it.
How do I make the cheese sauce for this dish?
To make the cheese sauce, mix Ro*tel, cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta, and cream cheese. Heat until melted. Add seasonings, shredded chicken, and cooked spaghetti.
What are some tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor?
Cook the pasta al dente. Use Ro*Tel in varying heat levels. Substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom. Add sharp cheddar on top for a great cheese pull.
Can this chicken spaghetti dish be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking stage. Then, freeze or refrigerate it. If refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature before baking. This prevents the dish from shattering in the oven.