Chicken Spaghetti

Introduction:

Indulge in a delectable culinary adventure with our Chicken Spaghetti recipe. Bursting with flavor and comfort, this classic dish combines tender chicken, savory spices, al dente spaghetti, and creamy sauce for a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. In this SEO article, we’ll guide you through crafting the perfect Chicken Spaghetti and explore why it’s an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings with friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• Salt/Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 Tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup milk
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10 oz. diced tomatoes & green chilies
• 8 oz. Thin Spaghetti
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Red pepper flakes & chopped parsley, to garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook the Chicken (Optional. You may also use cooked chicken.) Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner slices. Pat dry and season lightly with salt/pepper and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on each side for 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside. Dice into bite-sized pieces once cool enough to handle.
2. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium low. Melt the butter in the same pot and use a silicone spatula to clean the chicken bits from the bottom. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over the onions and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, until you can no longer smell flour. Add the chicken broth in splashes to maintain the thickness of the roux. Stir in between each splash. Add the milk next, a little bit at a time. Whisk until combined and smooth.
3. Meanwhile, let the sauce simmer and reduce while the pasta water heats up. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth. Reduce heat to low and let the base cool a bit. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir to combine. If you’d like to thin the sauce out at all, add a little bit of the juice from the diced tomatoes, otherwise, drain the juice and add the tomatoes along with the chicken. Stir to combine.
4. Stir in the spaghetti. If you’re not using an oven-safe pot, transfer to a lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish.
5. Bake: Top with mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. To brown the top slightly, broil it for 1-2 minutes at 475°F, watch it closely during this time.
6. Remove from the oven. Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Serve with a side of Garlic Bread with Cheese.
7. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
8. Kcal: 547 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of each serving of Chicken Spaghetti for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Serve with Garlic Bread: Accompany the Chicken Spaghetti with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for a delicious way to soak up the creamy sauce.
3. Pair with a Salad: Serve the Chicken Spaghetti alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta dish.
4. Individual Servings: Consider portioning the Chicken Spaghetti into individual ramekins before baking for a stylish presentation and easy serving at dinner parties or gatherings.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to the refrigerator.
2. Reheat Gently: When reheating leftover Chicken Spaghetti, do so gently to prevent the sauce from separating. Heat it in the microwave at 30-second intervals or warm it in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
3. Freeze for Future Meals: If you have more leftovers than you can consume within a few days, freeze individual portions of Chicken Spaghetti in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
4. Thaw Properly: When ready to enjoy frozen Chicken Spaghetti, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This ensures that the pasta retains its texture and the flavors meld together perfectly upon reheating.

FAQs:

1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch? Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, whether roasted, grilled, or rotisserie, can be a convenient and flavorful option for Chicken Spaghetti. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce along with the other ingredients.

2. Can I make Chicken Spaghetti vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Chicken Spaghetti by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

3. Can I use different types of pasta instead of spaghetti? Certainly! While spaghetti is traditional for Chicken Spaghetti, you can experiment with other types of pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Just be mindful of cooking times as different pasta shapes may require varying cooking times.

4. Can I make Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time and bake it later? Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake as directed.

5. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce? Absolutely! You can adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or omitting them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful culinary creation that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed with family or friends, Chicken Spaghetti brings people together with its irresistible combination of comfort and flavor. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the simple pleasure of homemade goodness with every forkful of Chicken Spaghetti.