CHEESY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI RECIPE

Kid-Friendly: Kids love cheesy pasta dishes, and this one is no exception. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and plenty of cheese, even picky eaters are sure to dig in and ask for seconds.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes for a more neutral flavor)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can quickly pan-cook or bake it, then shred or cube it. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, just shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using), and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. If you’re a garlic lover, you can also add a minced clove of garlic at this stage for extra flavor.

4. Make the Sauce:

To the skillet with the onions and peppers, add the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth (or water), sour cream, and both types of shredded cheese. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Combine the Chicken and Pasta:

Once the sauce is creamy and smooth, add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until it’s evenly coated. Then, add the cooked spaghetti and toss to combine, making sure the pasta is fully covered in the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Bake (Optional):

If you like your cheesy chicken spaghetti to have a crispy, golden top, you can transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

7. Serve and Garnish:

Once your cheesy chicken spaghetti is ready, serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti:

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a super quick and easy meal, use leftover rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves you time, allowing you to skip cooking the chicken from scratch.
2. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you like. Diced mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach would work beautifully in this dish.
3. Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding a few chopped jalapeños or using spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies. You could also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
4. Swap the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can swap it out for a different melty cheese like provolone, gouda, or even pepper jack for added flavor.
5. Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake when you’re ready to serve. It also reheats well, so it’s great for leftovers the next day!

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe:

There’s something about this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti that makes it a go-to comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness, with the right balance of savory flavors and a satisfying texture. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that everyone in the family can enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for an easy dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.

With minimal effort and a short list of ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish you’ll make time and time again, knowing that it will always be a hit.

Final Thoughts:

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s a dish that will have your family coming back for more. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a special occasion, this recipe is one you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness that this dish brings to the table!