Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti: A Weeknight Dinner Savior

Are you searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this quick and easy chicken spaghetti recipe! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum flavor. This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, and it’s versatile enough to be customized to your liking. Forget complicated recipes; this one is all about simplicity and deliciousness.

## Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti

* **Quick & Easy:** As the name suggests, this recipe is incredibly fast to prepare. From start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
* **Family-Friendly:** The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken are universally appealing, making it a surefire winner with even the pickiest eaters.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can easily prepare the chicken spaghetti ahead of time and bake it later, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** This dish is pure comfort food – warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to make you feel good.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **1 pound spaghetti:** Use your favorite brand of spaghetti. You can also substitute angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti if preferred.
* **1 pound cooked chicken:** You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, boiled and shredded chicken breasts, or leftover grilled chicken. Cubed chicken thighs work great too. The key is to have about 4 cups of cooked, shredded chicken.
* **1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup:** This provides the creamy base for the sauce. You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer.
* **1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel):** This adds a touch of spice and acidity to the dish. Use mild, medium, or hot Rotel depending on your preference. Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute if you do not prefer any spiciness.
* **1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles:** Adds flavor and spice.
* **1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened:** This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds cheesy flavor and texture. You can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a salty, savory flavor to the dish.
* **1/2 cup chopped onion:** Adds flavor and aroma to the sauce.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dish.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the garlic flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon onion powder:** Enhances the onion flavor.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** For sauteing the vegetables.
* **Optional toppings:** Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, hot sauce.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious chicken spaghetti masterpiece:

**Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
* Drain the spaghetti well and set aside. Do not rinse the spaghetti as the starch helps the sauce adhere to it.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

**Step 3: Prepare the Sauce**

* In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), chopped green chiles, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
* Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the cream cheese is smooth.

**Step 4: Combine Everything**

* Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the bowl with the sauce.
* Gently toss everything together until the spaghetti and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.

**Step 5: Bake (Optional)**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Sprinkle the top with additional cheddar cheese, if desired.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the spaghetti is heated through. If you prefer not to bake, you can serve the chicken spaghetti directly from the skillet.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**

* Remove the chicken spaghetti from the oven (if baked) and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Boost the nutritional value of your chicken spaghetti by adding cooked vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier dish, use hot Rotel or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a flavor variation.
* **Make it Creamier:** Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to the sauce for extra creaminess.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish.
* **Use Different Protein:** Substitute the chicken with cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or even shrimp.
* **Make it Healthier:** Use whole wheat spaghetti and low-fat cream cheese for a healthier version of the recipe.
* **Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti:** You can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Combine all ingredients (except the spaghetti) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook the spaghetti separately and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Chicken Spaghetti can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. To freeze after baking, let the dish cool completely, then cut into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish to round out the meal.

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing for any pasta dish.
* **Side Salad:** A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the spaghetti.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all great choices.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a perfect dessert.

## Make Ahead Instructions

This chicken spaghetti is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

## Printable Recipe Card

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## Conclusion

This quick and easy chicken spaghetti recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious, comforting, and family-friendly meal that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can have dinner on the table in no time. So, ditch the takeout menu and whip up a batch of this irresistible chicken spaghetti tonight! Enjoy!

## Nutrition Information

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use a different type of pasta?**
Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as angel hair, fettuccine, or rotini. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
* **Can I use canned chicken?**
Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
* **Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti and gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
* **Can I add hot sauce?**
Yes, if you would like a bit more spice feel free to add your favorite hot sauce.
* **Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with cooked vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes.
* **My sauce is too thick?**
Add milk in small increments until you have achieved your desired consistancy.
* **My sauce is too thin?**
Add flour and slowly stir, allow the sauce to thicken as it simmers.

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