Creamy Dreamy: Baked Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Your Family Will Devour!

Baked Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This recipe elevates the classic dish to a new level of deliciousness. Forget boring weeknight dinners; this baked spaghetti will become a family favorite, requested again and again. This recipe provides detailed step-by-step instructions, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve amazing results. We’ll cover everything from prepping the chicken and noodles to creating the perfect creamy sauce and baking it to golden-brown perfection. Plus, we’ll share some helpful tips and variations to customize the dish to your liking.

## Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Spaghetti

* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** Warm, creamy, and cheesy – it’s the definition of comfort. This dish brings a smile to everyone’s face.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together. Most of the steps are straightforward and require minimal effort.
* **Perfect for a Crowd:** This recipe is easily scalable, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a large group.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** The recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, use different types of cheese, or adjust the level of spiciness.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
* **Uses Leftover Chicken:** This is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken, making it an economical and resourceful meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This will make the process much smoother and prevent you from having to run to the store mid-recipe.

* **Spaghetti:** 1 pound. Use your favorite brand of spaghetti. You can also substitute with other types of pasta, such as angel hair or fettuccine, but spaghetti works best for holding the sauce.
* **Cooked Chicken:** 3 cups, shredded or diced. This can be leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooked chicken breasts.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 2 (10.75-ounce) cans. This forms the base of the creamy sauce. You can also use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if you prefer, or a combination of the three.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened. Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy sauce. Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp and cheesy flavor to the dish. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works well too.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. Milk helps to thin out the sauce and make it extra creamy.
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup. Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a savory base for the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the dish to your liking with salt and pepper.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Green bell pepper (chopped), mushrooms (sliced), diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes (for a little spice).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect baked chicken spaghetti. Each step is clearly explained to ensure success.

### Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
3. Drain the spaghetti well and set aside.

### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. If you are using leftover cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to remove any bones or skin.
2. If you are cooking chicken breasts specifically for this recipe, you can bake, boil, or grill them. Once cooked, shred or dice them.

### Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

### Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Add the cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, and milk to the skillet. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add any optional spices, such as red pepper flakes, if desired.
4. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup).
5. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

### Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the spaghetti and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Make sure the sauce is distributed throughout the pasta.

### Step 6: Transfer to a Baking Dish

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the dish.
2. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

### Step 7: Top with Cheese

1. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti.

### Step 8: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the spaghetti for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

### Step 9: Let it Rest

1. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

### Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the baked chicken spaghetti hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Spaghetti

* **Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti:** Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy in the baked dish. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
* **Use Softened Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy sauce. If you forget to soften it ahead of time, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until softened.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the entire dish. Cook it over low heat and watch it carefully.
* **Grease the Baking Dish:** This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
* **Customize the Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses all work well.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sneak in some extra vegetables by adding chopped green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, or diced tomatoes to the sauce.
* **Spice it Up:** For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this recipe. It’s already cooked and seasoned, saving you time and effort.
* **Adjust the Milk:** Adjust the amount of milk depending on the desired consistency of the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less milk. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use more milk.

## Variations to Try

* **Spicy Baked Chicken Spaghetti:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetable Baked Chicken Spaghetti:** Add your favorite vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, to the sauce.
* **Mexican Baked Chicken Spaghetti:** Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, a packet of taco seasoning, and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a Mexican-inspired version.
* **BBQ Baked Chicken Spaghetti:** Use BBQ sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup for a smoky and tangy flavor.
* **Pesto Baked Chicken Spaghetti:** Add a few tablespoons of pesto to the sauce for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
* **Creamy Tomato Baked Chicken Spaghetti:** Use a can of crushed tomatoes in addition to the cream of mushroom soup for a richer, tomato-based sauce.
* **Bacon Baked Chicken Spaghetti:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the dish for a smoky and salty flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Baked chicken spaghetti is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side dish to round out the meal.

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing with pasta dishes. The garlicky flavor complements the creamy spaghetti.
* **Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy spaghetti.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element to the meal.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad is a light and sweet way to end the meal.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover baked chicken spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the spaghetti seems dry.
* **Freezing:** Baked chicken spaghetti can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

## Conclusion

Baked chicken spaghetti is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe provides detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure success. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
Enjoy your culinary creation!