Description
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce with hints of garlic and Italian seasoning. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden mozzarella topping, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 10 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Make Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped green bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Stir in the flour and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
- Combine Cheese and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce and the ingredients are well distributed.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken spaghetti!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using seasoned breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
- Substitute the green bell pepper with red or yellow for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternative to make this recipe gluten free.
- To reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with additional milk or a lower-fat cream option.
