Description
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
12 oz spaghetti
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
Combine the Ingredients:
Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
#CreamyChickenSpaghetti #ComfortFood #EasyDinnerRecipe
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect bake every time. First, ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded. While the spaghetti boils, preheat your oven and grease your baking dish. In your large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the soup, broth, cream, and seasonings before adding the pasta and chicken. This prevents over-mixing. When transferring to the dish, press down gently for an even layer. For the topping, mix the mozzarella and Parmesan together first for uniform coverage. Bake on the middle rack until the edges are bubbling vigorously.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bit. For a vegetable side, try steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or simple buttered peas. To make it a special occasion meal, serve with a glass of chilled Chardonnay.
How-to Summary
Boil spaghetti and shred cooked chicken. Mix soups, broth, cream, and seasonings for the sauce. Combine sauce with pasta, chicken, and cheeses. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of canned soup? Make a simple roux with 3 tbsp each of butter and flour, whisk in 1.5 cups of milk and 1 cup of broth until thick. Season well with herbs and use in place of both cans of soup.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of broth, or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent choices as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Follow the same cooking instructions.
How can I add more vegetables? Sauté 1 cup of diced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers and mix them in with the chicken. Frozen peas or corn can be stirred in directly without pre-cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to soften in the oven. Mushy pasta ruins the texture.
- Not seasoning the sauce: Taste the sauce mixture before combining with pasta. The soups contain salt, but you still need to adjust pepper, garlic, and paprika to your taste.
- Using dry, unseasoned chicken: For maximum flavor, use chicken cooked in broth or seasoned with herbs, not plain boiled chicken.
- Skipping the rest time: Let the bake sit for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to set slightly for cleaner slices.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining familiar ingredients into a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal active prep time. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a delicious centerpiece for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Don’t forget to experiment with the serving suggestions and add-ins to make it your own. Enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness!