Are you searching for a comforting and indulgent meal that will please the whole family? Look no further than our Cream Cheese Chicken Spaghetti recipe! Bursting with creamy goodness and flavorful ingredients, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Join us as we explore the world of creamy chicken spaghetti and learn how to make this mouthwatering recipe step by step.
Introduction
Cream Cheese Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner option for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. So let’s dive in and discover the magic of Cream Cheese Chicken Spaghetti!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dry spaghetti
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 (10 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts in advance and shred them using two forks.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, Velveeta cheese (cubed), cream cheese, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. Keep in mind that the cheese and soup already contain some salt, so adjust accordingly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and dig in!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of the dish. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda would all be delicious options.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensure that the cream of chicken soup and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti? A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this recipe. Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta would all work well.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? A: While canned tomatoes provide convenience and flavor, you can certainly use fresh diced tomatoes if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to make a keto-friendly version of this recipe:
- Use Low-Carb Pasta: Substitute traditional spaghetti with low-carb alternatives such as shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles.
- Choose Keto-Friendly Ingredients: Opt for keto-friendly cream of chicken soup and tomatoes with no added sugar. Replace Velveeta cheese with a combination of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
- Add Fat: Increase the fat content of the dish by adding additional butter or olive oil to the cheese sauce.
Cream Cheese Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of a special meal with friends and family, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. So why wait? Give it a try and experience the creamy goodness of Cream Cheese Chicken Spaghetti today!
