Chicken Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
35 mins
-
Total Time
45 mins
-
Servings
6
-
Calories
571 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
Chicken Spaghetti
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti starts by cooking spaghetti just under al dente. Meanwhile, onions and bell peppers are sautéed until softened, then garlic is added briefly. Flour is stirred in to form a roux base, followed by whisking in chicken broth and heavy cream to create a smooth sauce. Diced tomatoes with juices and green chilies, plus chili powder, add mild heat and tang.
Half the sharp cheddar cheese is melted into the sauce off heat before folding in shredded cooked chicken. The mixture is combined in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish with the drained spaghetti. The casserole is topped with remaining cheddar and baked at 350°F until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. The dish balances creamy, cheesy richness with a hint of spice and the fresh taste of tomatoes and peppers.
Serving about six portions, this casserole is satisfying and filling. Adjusting the heat level is possible by choosing mild or hotter diced tomatoes with chilies. The dish can be complemented with a side salad or breadsticks to make a complete meal. Allowing it to cool briefly before serving aids in portioning and maintenance of structure.
Because of the rotisserie or cooked chicken, the preparation is faster than making the protein from raw. The balance of creamy sauce and vibrant ingredients makes it a comfort food with a touch of Tex-Mex influence.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion chopped finely
- 1/2 green bell pepper chopped small, or red bell pepper
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1 (10 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices, Rotel brand
- 1 (10 fluid ounce) can green chilies with juices, Rotel brand
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided, sharp, shredded
- 2 cups chicken shredded, cooked; rotisserie example
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Boil a salted pot of water for the spaghetti and cook it 1 minute less than the package directions indicate. Meanwhile, prep all the recipe ingredients.
- Drain the spaghetti then add it to a greased 9x13 casserole dish.
- Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the onions and peppers and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute (keep stirring).
- Whisk in the chicken broth and cream and ensure there's no flour lumps.
- Stir in the Rotel and chili powder. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes (it should be slightly thickened, but don't let it get too thick!).
- Turn the burner off and stir in half of the cheddar.
- Stir in the chicken and add a bit of salt & pepper.
- Transfer the skillet contents to the baking dish and toss with the spaghetti.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and cover the casserole dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and broil for a few minutes if you wish to brown the cheese.
Notes
- This recipe yields around six adult servings and can feed more if accompanied by sides or smaller portions for children.
- Using Mild Rotel diced tomatoes reduces spiciness but the dish still maintains subtle heat.
- Nutritional values are approximate; ingredients and portions may vary.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 571 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 571kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 134mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 391mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 413mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1328IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 335mg | 34% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.