Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my ultimate cheesy chicken spaghetti! This dish is a creamy, dreamy delight that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends and family. Picture this: tender spaghetti enveloped in a cheesy, velvety sauce, all loaded with shredded chicken. It’s like a hug in a bowl! I whip this up when I’m craving comfort food but don’t want to spend the whole day cooking. Trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. You’ll want to make it again and again, and your loved ones will definitely be asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I love a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate gooeyness!)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want everything to be nice and hot when it goes in the oven. While that’s heating up, grab a pot and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water for the best flavor, and don’t forget to drain it once it’s al dente!
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. I like to use a fork to mix everything together—it’s a great way to get all those flavors mingling. Once your spaghetti is drained, toss it into the chicken mixture, along with half of your shredded cheese. Stir it all together until every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness. Yum!
Now, it’s time to transfer this delicious concoction into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and don’t be shy when it comes to adding the rest of that cheese on top. The more, the merrier, right? Bake it in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly! Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The creamy texture and cheesy flavor are seriously comforting; it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
- Flexibility is key! You can easily add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike can’t resist this cheesy goodness!
- With just a few simple ingredients, you’ve got a delicious dish that feels gourmet.
Tips for Success
Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you nail your ultimate cheesy chicken spaghetti! I promise these little nuggets of wisdom will make a big difference.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker meal, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves time on cooking and shredding, plus it adds a lovely flavor!
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! While I adore cheddar and mozzarella, you could try pepper jack for a kick or even cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some veggies! Spinach or diced bell peppers blend beautifully into this dish without compromising flavor. You can sauté them a bit before mixing if you prefer a softer texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Make sure to cook the spaghetti al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. This way, you won’t end up with mushy pasta!
- Mix It Up: If you like a bit of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a delightful heat that complements the creaminess.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your dish while it bakes! Look for that golden, bubbly top. If it gets too brown, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cheesy chicken spaghetti masterpiece that’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my ultimate cheesy chicken spaghetti, it’s nice to know what you’re eating! Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, but here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
So, whether you’re keeping an eye on your macros or just want to indulge in some creamy goodness, this dish can fit into your meal plans beautifully. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! One of the best things about my ultimate cheesy chicken spaghetti is how flexible it is when it comes to cheese. While I love the classic combo of cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect melty goodness, you can definitely experiment! Try using pepper jack for a little heat or gouda for a smoky flavor. Even cream cheese can be a fantastic addition, making it extra creamy. Just remember, the more cheese, the better the flavor!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up your cheesy chicken spaghetti, I’ve got some great tips for you! First off, consider swapping out regular sour cream for Greek yogurt—it’s lower in fat and adds a nice tang. You can also use whole grain or lentil spaghetti for more fiber. For the chicken, using skinless breast is a great choice, or you can even incorporate some shredded zucchini or spinach to boost those veggies without sacrificing flavor. And don’t forget to be mindful of the cheese; using reduced-fat varieties can help cut down on calories without losing that cheesy charm!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You bet! This dish is perfect for meal prep. To make it ahead of time, simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze it! Just assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep that ultimate cheesy chicken spaghetti fresh and delicious for later! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is totally possible because it’s so good!), you’ll want to store them properly. First, let the dish cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will help maintain that creamy goodness and prevent any drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
If you’d like to save it for a longer period, go ahead and freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating is super simple, too! You can microwave individual portions, but for the best results, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to keep it moist, and warm it up for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Just check on it to make sure it doesn’t dry out; you can add a splash of chicken broth or a dollop of sour cream on top if it seems a bit thick. And there you have it—delicious cheesy chicken spaghetti ready to enjoy all over again!
Imprimer
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti: 5 Steps to Comfort
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A delicious and creamy cheesy chicken spaghetti dish.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked spaghetti and half of the cheese to the chicken mixture; stir to combine.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: cheesy chicken spaghetti, ultimate spaghetti recipe, creamy chicken pasta
