This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and cheesy dish that’s perfect for a satisfying family meal! Imagine tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, and a medley of vegetables, all coated in a rich and creamy sauce and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a delicious and satisfying casserole that’s sure to become a new weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of heavy cream, milk, and mozzarella cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats every noodle and piece of chicken.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The addition of garlic, bell peppers, and Italian seasoning adds a depth of flavor to the dish, while the shredded chicken and diced tomatoes provide a hearty and satisfying texture.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or protein.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: A classic pasta shape that’s perfect for casseroles.
- Cooked chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory punch.
- Green bell pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and thins the sauce to the desired consistency.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream: Adds extra richness and a velvety texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and freshness to the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded, it adds a creamy and cheesy texture.
- Salt and pepper: Season the casserole to perfection.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, and cook until softened. Stir in the flour and Italian seasoning, and cook for 1 minute more. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and drained diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Spread the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use cooked chicken: Save time by using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic and bell pepper, such as sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or frozen peas.
How to Serve
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a satisfying meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing
If freezing, line your baking dish with parchment paper and let the casserole freeze solid before transferring it to a large freezer bag. This will help to prevent freezer burn and make it easier to reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can! Other pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or even fettuccine, would work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this casserole with a different protein? Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even Italian sausage would be delicious substitutes for chicken.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can! Try using a different cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
4. Can I add other seasonings to the casserole? Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or a bay leaf would be delicious additions.
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and hearty ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintCreamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake, Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a family meal! Tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, and a medley of flavors are combined in a rich and creamy sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté garlic and bell pepper in butter until tender. Stir in flour and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned on the edges.
Notes
- Freezing: Line the baking dish with parchment paper before assembling the casserole for easier freezing. Freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag to free up the dish.
- Pasta: You can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or ziti.
- Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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