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This chicken spaghetti bake will soon become your go-to dinner favorite. I totally fell for this combo of pasta wrapped in creamy sauce with juicy chicken and zesty kicks that wake up your taste buds. This comfort food always brings my family to the table with hungry smiles.
Foolproof Crowd-Pleasing Dish
My chicken spaghetti bake has turned into my go-to for family gatherings. The velvety sauce hugs each strand of pasta while the tender chicken and green peppers add just the right punch of flavor. It's one of those magical dishes that brings together ease and tastiness for a dinner win every time.
What You'll Need
- Chicken: 2 cups of shredded meat that melts in your mouth and makes all the difference.
- Spaghetti: 8 oz of firm pasta ready to soak up our tasty sauce.
- Cheese: 2 cups of cheddar and 1/4 cup of parmesan for that irresistible golden top.
- Soups: 1 can of cream of chicken and 1 of mushroom for a smooth base.
- Veggies: Onion, green bell pepper and garlic cooked until their flavors come alive.
- Tomatoes and chilies: 1 can for that nice kick of flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Getting the Pasta Right
- Cook your spaghetti in well-salted water until it's just firm. Drain and set aside.
- Building Flavor
- Melt butter in a big skillet then cook onion, green pepper and garlic until they smell amazing.
- Making it Creamy
- Pour in the soups, tomatoes with chilies and broth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Let it bubble for 5 minutes so flavors can mix together.
- Putting it Together
- Mix the chicken and spaghetti into the sauce. Pour everything into a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until it's golden and bubbly.
Insider Tips
* Sometimes I throw in mushrooms or peas for extra goodness.
* Swiss or mozzarella can swap in for cheddar when you want something different.
* Make it as spicy as you like with milder or stronger chilies.
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Serving Suggestions
Dish up this spaghetti bake piping hot with some fresh parsley sprinkled on top for a pop of color. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies go perfectly alongside for a complete meal that always gets compliments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- You can assemble this dish up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When baking, add 10-15 extra minutes since it’ll be chilled.
- → How do I shred chicken easily?
- A rotisserie chicken works great, or cook chicken breasts and pull them apart while warm. Use two forks to tear the meat into pieces.
- → Is this dish freezer friendly?
- Yes, it freezes well for up to three months. Cover it tightly with foil and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add extra cook time as needed.
- → What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?
- Swap with regular diced tomatoes and some chopped green chilies. Fresh tomatoes with a mild chopped chili also work.
- → How do I avoid mushy spaghetti?
- Cook the pasta until just firm (al dente), as it’ll cook more in the oven. Drain well and avoid soaking it in water. It should still have a slight bite.