Description
Hearty chicken spaghetti delivers comfort wrapped in creamy, cheesy goodness. Southern kitchen magic combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a family-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
Pasta and Vegetable Base:
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained
Cheese and Sauce Components:
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Poach the whole fryer chicken in water, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked through. Extract the meat from the bones and meticulously shred into bite-sized fragments.
- Utilize the reserved chicken broth to cook spaghetti until perfectly tender. Carefully drain the pasta, preventing any residual moisture.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the spaghetti strands with the shredded chicken, velvety cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, verdant green pepper, aromatic onion, vibrant pimentos, and a harmonious blend of seasonings.
- Gently transfer the creamy mixture into a generously sized baking dish, creating an even layer that promises delectable consistency.
- Crown the casserole with an additional layer of grated cheddar, ensuring complete coverage for maximum cheesy indulgence.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the central location. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece, approximately 45 minutes.
- After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for several minutes, permitting the flavors to meld and settle. If planning to preserve, securely wrap and store in the refrigerator for two days or freeze for up to six months.
- Serve warm, allowing each spoonful to showcase the harmonious blend of chicken, pasta, and creamy cheese.
Notes
- Choose free-range or organic chicken for richer flavor and better nutritional profile.
- Quickly shred chicken while it’s still warm to make the process easier and prevent meat from cooling and becoming tough.
- Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt content and customize seasoning to your preference.
- Swap regular spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary variations and added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg