Description
Homemade chicken spaghetti brings comfort from grandma’s kitchen to modern tables with cheesy, creamy goodness. Southern warmth fills each hearty bite, inviting you to savor a classic comfort meal that connects generations through simple, delicious ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups mixed in, 1 cup for topping)
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained
Instructions
- Poach the whole chicken in water, creating a flavorful broth. Extract and meticulously shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized fragments.
- Utilize the aromatic chicken broth to cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, ensuring each strand maintains a slight resistance when bitten. Carefully drain the pasta, preserving its texture.
- In a generously sized mixing vessel, amalgamate the tender spaghetti with the succulent shredded chicken, velvety cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, crisp green bell pepper, pungent onion, vibrant pimentos, and a harmonious blend of seasonings.
- Strategically transfer the creamy mixture into a spacious casserole dish, creating an even layer that promises delectable bites throughout. Lavishly crown the surface with an additional layer of grated cheddar cheese.
- For immediate indulgence, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole until it bubbles with enthusiasm and the cheese transforms into a golden, molten blanket. Should the cheese begin to darken prematurely, gently drape aluminum foil over the dish.
- For future enjoyment, seal the casserole securely and store in the freezer for up to half a year, or refrigerate for a couple of days, preserving its delectable potential.
- After baking, allow the casserole a brief moment to settle, then serve and savor the comforting, cheesy creation.
Notes
- Elevate flavor by using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for deeper, richer taste.
- Experiment with protein alternatives like rotisserie chicken, turkey, or shredded jackfruit for vegetarian version.
- Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – start with less and add gradually to suit personal heat preference.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture and vitamins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg