My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves
This Chicken Spaghetti is a classic comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It's rich, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks. The creamy sauce combined with the subtle kick of cayenne pepper creates a flavor-packed experience everyone will love. Here’s how you can make it:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
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3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into two-inch pieces
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2 cans cream of mushroom soup
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2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
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1/4 cup finely diced onion
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1 jar (4-ounce) diced pimentos, drained
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2 cups reserved chicken broth from cooking the chicken
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1 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt
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1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to 1/4 tsp for more heat)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the chicken broth from the pot. Set the broth aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or butter, and sauté the diced green pepper and onion until they’re softened, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and Lawry’s seasoned salt. Stir in the cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the sautéed green pepper and onion, along with the drained pimentos. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients In a large casserole dish, add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken. Pour the sauce mixture over the spaghetti and chicken, stirring everything together until it’s evenly distributed. Top the mixture with the grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Spaghetti Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once the casserole is baked and the cheese is golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, cheesy chicken spaghetti!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Spaghetti:
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Add veggies: You can include other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
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Make it spicier: If you like more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mixture.
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Use rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken.
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Freezer-friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just prepare everything, then cover tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding about 15 minutes to the baking time.
Who Would Enjoy This Dish?
This Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy pasta dishes. It’s filling, comforting, and has just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting!
Nutritional Benefits:
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Protein: The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and overall health.
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Calcium: The sharp cheddar cheese adds calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.
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Vitamins and Fiber: The green peppers and onions contribute essential vitamins and fiber, supporting overall health and digestion.
This dish is sure to become a new favorite in your home—simple to make and packed with delicious flavors! Enjoy your famous Chicken Spaghetti!