Chicken spaghetti is a beloved dish that combines the comforting textures of pasta with the savory flavors of chicken and a creamy sauce. It's a versatile meal that appeals to home cooks, pasta lovers, and chicken enthusiasts alike. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a week of delicious leftovers, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (color of your choice)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Substitutions or Dietary Preferences
- Gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version
- Low-fat cream soups and broth to reduce calorie content
- Dairy-free cheese to make it dairy-free
Instructions
1. Preparing Your Ingredients
Start by pre-cooking your chicken if you haven’t already. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. Dice the bell pepper and onion finely to ensure they meld into the sauce beautifully.
2. Saute Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion (and mushrooms if using) and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor of your sauce.
3. Create the Sauce
To the skillet, add the cream of chicken and mushroom soups along with the chicken broth. Stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and then add the shredded chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to your liking. Stir until everything is heated through and fully combined.
4. Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well. Tip for the perfect al dente texture: Cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package’s suggested time and it will finish cooking in the sauce.
5. Combine and Finish
Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce mixture, tossing well to ensure the pasta is fully coated. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and mixed throughout. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serving Suggestions
Transfer your chicken spaghetti to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
7. Variations and Health Benefits
This chicken spaghetti recipe is not only comforting but can also be adapted to fit various dietary needs. The chicken provides a good source of protein while swapping in whole wheat spaghetti can increase your fiber intake.
8. Share Your Experience
We’d love to hear how your chicken spaghetti turned out! Share your experiences, photos, and any creative variations you tried in the comments below.
Happy Cooking!
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