Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you need to feed a family or impress guests with minimal effort. Plus, it’s cheesy, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
how to make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup diced red peppers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (or Rotel)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese (or cream of chicken soup), chicken broth, and seasonings. Mix until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced peppers, and diced tomatoes to the creamy mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss everything together until well mixed.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and comforting chicken spaghetti bake!
how to serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Serve the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake hot from the oven. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving for added flavor. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
how to store Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It should be good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the dish before baking it. Just cover it tightly and store for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before mixing it into the bake.
- Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference; add more garlic powder or even some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation time.
variation
You can easily transform this dish by using different pasta types, such as penne or elbows. You can also swap the chicken for ground turkey or beef, or use beans for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe? Yes, leftover chicken works perfectly! Just shred or chop it and add it to the mix.
2. Is there a gluten-free option? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it up to a day before baking. Just increase the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge when you put it in the oven.
Print
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup diced red peppers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (or Rotel)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese (or cream of chicken soup), chicken broth, and seasonings. Mix until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced peppers, and diced tomatoes to the creamy mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss everything together until well mixed.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Feel free to add other veggies or adjust seasonings to your taste. Can use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (optional)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken, spaghetti, bake, casserole, creamy, comfort food
