Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make? This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings! Packed with tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and loads of melted cheese, this dish is great for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. The addition of salsa and taco seasoning brings a hint of spice, making it a fun twist on the traditional chicken spaghetti. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients for The Best Chicken Spaghetti
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta (half of a 16-ounce box)
- 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken (use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own)
- 2 (10-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred level of heat)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided use
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Dried parsley, for topping (optional)
Instructions: How to Make The Best Chicken Spaghetti
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- If you’re using leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking fresh chicken, season it lightly with salt and pepper, cook it through, and then chop it.
3. Mix the Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, salsa, sour cream, 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend, and taco seasoning. Stir until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
- Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is well distributed.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer the chicken spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the chicken spaghetti.
7. Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Optionally, sprinkle with dried parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Salsa: The salsa you choose will impact the spice level. Opt for mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat preference. You can also use a chunky salsa for added texture.
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is an easy and flavorful option for this recipe, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken, grilled chicken, or even shredded poached chicken.
- Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully for a melty, flavorful topping, but feel free to swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe is super versatile and can easily be adapted to fit different tastes or dietary preferences.
Keto-Friendly Chicken Spaghetti
For a keto-friendly version:
- Pasta Substitute: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of the angel hair pasta.
- Cream Soup: Make sure to use a keto-friendly cream of chicken soup, or make your own from scratch with heavy cream, chicken broth, and xanthan gum as a thickener.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian twist:
- Chicken Substitute: Replace the chicken with black beans, grilled vegetables, or tofu for a protein-packed alternative.
- Cream Soup: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
Gluten-Free Chicken Spaghetti
To make this dish gluten-free:
- Pasta Substitute: Use gluten-free pasta or a pasta alternative like rice noodles.
- Cream Soup: Check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free, or make your own using gluten-free flour as a thickener.
Add Veggies
To boost the nutrition in this dish:
- Add in sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or even diced zucchini to the pasta mixture before baking for added texture and flavor.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Spaghetti
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken spaghetti up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking as directed.
Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can! This recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes, such as penne, spaghetti, rotini, or fettuccine. Choose whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Q4: Can I make this spicier?
Yes! If you love heat, you can add diced jalapenos, increase the taco seasoning, or use a spicy salsa and extra hot saucein the sauce mix.
A Cheesy, Comforting Meal for the Whole Family
This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. With its creamy sauce, flavorful chicken, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, with its versatility, you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that’s loaded with flavor!
