Chicken Spaghetti - Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Meal

 Chicken spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy, and creamy dish that is easy to make. It's perfect for family dinner or potlucks. It'soften baked in the oven and can include ingredients like Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, and seasonings. 

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Pasta

• 2 large chicken breasts 
• 12 oz. spaghetti pasta .
• 4 cups chicken broth (for boiling the chicken and pasta )
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

• 1 cup (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (10.5 oz ) cream of mushroom soup 
• 1 can (10 oz ) Rotel tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra topping )
• half cup sour cream
• half cup whole milk (or chicken broth for thinner sauce ) 
• half teaspoon garlic powder
• half teaspoon onion powder
• half teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice ) 

For Topping (optional) 

• half cup shredded cheddar cheese
• half cup parmesan cheese (optional)
• half teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish )

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the chicken breast and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and shred it using two forks. 

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

In the same pot with the broth, cook the spaghetti pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of the broth for later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Rotel tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Milk (or chicken broth )
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne
• Stir well until smooth and creamy

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved broth.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

• Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with dried parsley or chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti!