If you’ve ever wondered how to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe. This dish is a brilliant mix of tender chicken, gooey cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all bound together by a rich, creamy sauce with just the right hint of spice. It’s one of those recipes that sparks joy from the very first forkful, impressing guests and satisfying family dinners alike with its hearty flavor and homey appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet full of flavor, the ingredients for My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe come together to create a dish that’s both rich and comforting. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the creamy mushroom soup that adds a velvety texture or the tangy diced pimentos that offer a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Tender, flavorful chicken forms the protein-packed base of this recipe.
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into two-inch pieces: The spaghetti creates that satisfying noodle texture that carries all the flavors.
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup: Adds luscious creaminess and depth without any fuss.
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness balances the creaminess, melting perfectly to bind all ingredients.
- 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper: Brings a mild crunch and a touch of freshness.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Essential for adding subtle sweetness and aromatic undertones.
- 1 jar (4-ounce) diced pimentos, drained: These red gems brighten the dish both visually and flavor-wise.
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot: Cooking spaghetti in broth ensures every bite is infused with savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: A secret seasoning blend that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/8 teaspoon (to 1/4 teaspoon) cayenne pepper: Adds just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To perfectly season and balance every bite.
- 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese: For that irresistible golden top crust that’s so inviting.
How to Make My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The magic begins with cooking a cut-up fryer chicken until tender enough to pick apart, yielding about two cups of juicy, shredded chicken. This homemade approach ensures the chicken stays succulent and full of flavor—nothing beats that fresh, home-cooked taste.
Step 2: Cook Your Spaghetti
Next, cook the dry spaghetti in the reserved chicken broth instead of plain water. This crucial step infuses the pasta with the chicken’s savory essence, making every noodle exquisitely flavorful. Be sure to cook it al dente, so it holds its texture and doesn’t get mushy when baked.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked spaghetti along with the chicken, mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, diced pimentos, seasoned salt, cayenne, and salt and pepper. This is where all those wonderful flavors start marrying into one irresistible blend. Stir gently to make sure everything is evenly mixed without breaking the pasta.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your spaghetti mixture to a casserole dish and then sprinkle the remaining cup of sharp cheddar cheese on top for that oh-so-important cheesy crust. Bake it uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is perfectly melted. Keep an eye on it—if the top browns too quickly, cover with foil so it doesn’t burn.
How to Serve My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby note that brightens this rich dish. For extra zest, consider a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick up the heat subtly.
Side Dishes
This chicken spaghetti makes such a hearty main that lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, and roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli provide a healthy, textural balance. Warm garlic bread also pairs beautifully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or mini casserole dishes—each guest gets their own personal cheesy delight. You could also layer it in a beautiful glass casserole dish for a stunning visual effect, showing off the golden cheese top and colorful veggies below.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making your second helping even more delicious. Just be sure to consume within two days for the best taste and quality.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully—perfect for busy weeks when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. Freeze it before baking in a covered casserole dish or freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to six months and thaw beautifully when needed.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the chilled or thawed casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Cover loosely with foil to keep the cheese from browning too much. You can also microwave single portions for convenience, but baking helps maintain the cheesy, melty texture best.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a fryer chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time while still delivering juicy, flavorful meat. Just shred about two cups for the recipe and proceed as usual.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular spaghetti for a gluten-free variety. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free or use a homemade version to keep everything safe.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Diced mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach can be stirred into the mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Just keep the moisture balance in mind so the casserole isn’t too watery.
What cheese works best if I want to try a different flavor?
While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or a bit of smoked gouda for smoky depth. Just pick cheeses that melt well to keep that lovely creamy texture.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in the recipe?
The cayenne is used sparingly to add a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust from 1/8 teaspoon up to 1/4 teaspoon depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe truly is one of those timeless dishes that brings comfort, joy, and a little bit of excitement to the dinner table. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels, totally satisfying, and wonderfully adaptable. If you haven’t made it yet, I promise you’re in for a treat that’s sure to become a family favorite fast!
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My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and a subtle kick of cayenne pepper. Perfectly baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection, it’s a beloved family favorite that’s easy to prepare and versatile for freezing or immediate baking.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken (from one cut-up fryer chicken)
Pasta
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into two-inch pieces
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking chicken)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 jar (4-ounce) diced pimentos, drained
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese & Soup
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cook one cut-up fryer chicken thoroughly and remove the meat until you have about two cups of cooked chicken pieces. Reserve the broth from cooking for later use.
- Cook the spaghetti: Use the reserved chicken broth to cook the broken spaghetti pieces until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the casserole.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, diced onion, diced pimentos, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a casserole pan and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top as a final layer.
- Bake or store: You can bake the casserole immediately at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until bubbly. If the cheese starts to brown too fast, cover the casserole loosely with foil. Alternatively, cover and freeze the casserole for up to six months or refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti into two-inch pieces helps with even distribution and easier eating.
- Reserving and using chicken broth to cook the pasta adds more flavor than boiling in plain water.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference; start with 1/8 teaspoon if sensitive to heat.
- Cover with foil during baking if cheese browns too quickly to avoid burning.
- This dish freezes well for up to six months; thaw before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
