Chicken Spaghetti is not just a recipe; it’s a delicious comfort dish that has won the hearts of many. With its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and the fulfilling nature of a pasta meal, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
This Chicken Spaghetti recipe combines simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, which makes it a perfect choice for any weeknight meal. The familiarity of chicken, spaghetti, and cheese draws everyone in, while the creamy sauce packed with flavor makes each forkful a joy to eat. It’s a classic dish that brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of cozy meals at home. Cooking it is straightforward, allowing you to create a homemade dinner with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile; you can customize it with various ingredients based on your preferences. Once you take the first bite, you’ll understand why this dish is beloved by many!
Ingredients about Chicken Spaghetti
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this hearty Chicken Spaghetti. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 8 oz thin spaghetti
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, to garnish
These ingredients come together to create a delicious dish full of flavor.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Directions
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps to ensure your Chicken Spaghetti turns out perfectly.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the correct temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect baked texture.
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides of the chicken for flavor.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to cool. Once cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened, which takes about 3-4 minutes. The onions will add sweetness and depth to your sauce.
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
Gradually add chicken broth while whisking, followed by the milk. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickens slightly. This creamy base is the heart of your Chicken Spaghetti sauce.
Add the cream cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and incorporates smoothly. Then, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until everything blends beautifully.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped chicken. This is where your dish starts to come alive with color and flavor.
Cook the spaghetti in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and then add it to the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top it with shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Bake uncovered in the oven for 15 minutes. If you like it a bit crispy, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the top.
Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley before serving.
That’s it! You’re now ready to serve your delightful Chicken Spaghetti!
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with various sides. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread for a comforting meal. The warm bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience. A simple side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can add freshness and balance to the meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for added flavor. No matter how you choose to serve it, your Chicken Spaghetti is sure to impress!
Expert Tips: Chicken Spaghetti
To elevate your Chicken Spaghetti game, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Do not overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry, which detracts from the dish’s overall flavor and texture. Cook just until it’s completely white inside.
Use freshly grated cheeses: Opt for block cheese and grate it yourself for the best taste and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Customize the spices: If you like a bit of kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes. Adjust the level of Italian seasoning according to your taste for a more personalized flavor profile.
Make it ahead: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Experiment with veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions for optimal flavor.
By incorporating these expert tips, you can make your Chicken Spaghetti even more delicious and aligned with your personal preferences.
How to Store Chicken Spaghetti
Storing Chicken Spaghetti is simple. After serving, allow any leftovers to cool completely. Transfer them into an airtight container, and you can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. If you’ve made a large batch that you won’t consume within a few days, consider freezing portions. This can extend the shelf life to about 2-3 months. To freeze, use freezer-safe containers, and remember to label them with the date for easy tracking.
Variation of Chicken Spaghetti
The beauty of Chicken Spaghetti lies in its versatility. While the classic version is delicious as is, there are various ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or incorporate new flavors:
Vegetable Chicken Spaghetti: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: Incorporate some chopped jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes to give your dish a noticeable kick.
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti: Add a layer of cream cheese on top before baking to create an even richer flavor profile.
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti: Replace the Italian seasoning with fettuccine sauce and combine it with grilled chicken for a different take.
Swap the Pasta: While this recipe traditionally uses spaghetti, you can easily substitute with penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary preferences.
By trying out these variations, you can keep the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it.
FAQ about Chicken Spaghetti
What is Chicken Spaghetti?
Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy pasta dish that typically includes chicken breast, cheese, and a flavorful sauce, often made with chicken broth and vegetables. It offers a comforting flavor and texture that many people love.
Can I prepare Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Spaghetti can be made a day ahead. Just prepare everything up until the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed.
Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
Absolutely! If you have leftovers or want to prepare a batch ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Store in an airtight container, and it can last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
What sides pair well with Chicken Spaghetti?
Chicken Spaghetti goes wonderfully with a fresh side salad and garlic bread. Both add complementary flavors and textures to the meal.
Chicken Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 Tbsp. flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 10 oz. diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- red pepper flakes for garnish
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pan, melt butter, then add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until the mixture is smooth. Allow to thicken slightly.
- Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted, then add diced tomatoes and chopped chicken.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and add to the sauce mixture. Toss until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy top, if desired.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley before serving.
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