Description
Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful blend of cream soups and spices, all baked to perfection with a delicious cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to prepare for mixing with the sauce.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until they are softened, about 3-4 minutes, to build the flavor base.
- Combine Sauces and Tomatoes: Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, drained Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine into a creamy sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance and balance the flavors of the sauce.
- Add Chicken: Reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded chicken, ensuring it is fully coated with the creamy sauce mixture.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well until the pasta is evenly coated and combined with the chicken sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked chicken spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- Drain tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of Rotel tomatoes.
- Cheese varieties can be adjusted to your preference; smoked gouda or Monterey Jack work well.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
