Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti – Recipes on a Budget

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Delight 🍝🧀

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and a hint of spice from green chiles. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this delightful and easy-to-make recipe!

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

Spaghetti: The base of this dish, spaghetti provides a hearty and satisfying foundation.
Cream of Mushroom Soup & Cream of Chicken Soup: These soups create a creamy, flavorful sauce that binds everything together.
Velveeta: Melts smoothly into the sauce, adding a rich, cheesy flavor.
2% Milk: Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Garlic Powder & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
Cooked Chicken: Adds protein and makes this dish a complete meal.
Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles: Bring a hint of freshness and mild heat.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Combine Ingredients: In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, cubed Velveeta, and milk. Cook Until Smooth: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Chicken

Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder and pepper, ensuring they are well distributed. Add the Chicken: Add the cubed cooked chicken, drained diced tomatoes, and chopped green chiles. Stir to combine and cook until everything is heated through.

Step 4: Combine with Spaghetti

Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture, tossing to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top. Optional Garnish: If desired, garnish with minced fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve Hot: Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of this cheesy chicken spaghetti.

Valuable Tips for Seamless Cooking

Helpful Tip: Use Leftover Chicken
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store.

Helpful Tip: Prevent Sticky Pasta
After draining the spaghetti, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.

Helpful Tip: Customize the Heat
For a spicier kick, use hot green chiles or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Answer: Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or fettuccine.

Is there a substitute for Velveeta?

Answer: You can use shredded cheddar cheese, but the sauce might be less creamy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the dish, cool it, and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving.

Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?

Answer: While possible, the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing and reheating.

How can I add more vegetables?

Answer: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

Answer: Substitute with another can of cream of chicken soup or a homemade cream sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Answer: Yes, use about 1.5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.

What’s the best way to cube the chicken?

Answer: Use cooked chicken breast or thighs, cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Answer: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but might not melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Answer: Stir frequently and avoid boiling the sauce to keep it smooth.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Answer: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your soups are gluten-free.

What can I use instead of green chiles?

Answer: Substitute with mild jalapeños or omit if you prefer less heat.

How do I keep the spaghetti from clumping?

Answer: Rinse the pasta briefly with warm water after draining if not using immediately.

Can I add bacon?

Answer: Yes, crispy bacon bits can be added for extra flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Answer: Add a splash of milk to help reheat and keep the sauce creamy.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Answer: Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Answer: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or plant-based chicken alternatives.

Is fresh parsley necessary?

Answer: It’s optional but adds a nice fresh flavor and color.

How can I lighten up the recipe?

Answer: Use reduced-fat soups and cheese, and increase the vegetable content.

Can I add more spices?

Answer: Feel free to add paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Top 20 Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection

Season Every Layer: Add seasoning at each step to build depth of flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and freshly cooked chicken enhance the taste.
Quality Cheese: Use high-quality cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Prevent mushy pasta by cooking it to al dente.
Control Heat: Keep the sauce on medium heat to prevent curdling.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings to your preference throughout cooking.
Use a Non-Stick Pan: Prevents sticking and makes cleaning easier.
Add a Splash of Broth: If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth.
Preheat the Pan: Ensure the pan is hot before adding ingredients for better cooking.
Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of freshness with herbs like parsley or basil.
Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese: It contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Stir Constantly: Prevents the cheese sauce from sticking and burning.
Sauté Vegetables: For added flavor, sauté the vegetables before adding to the sauce.
Garnish Generously: A touch of garnish adds visual appeal and flavor.
Use Leftovers Wisely: This recipe is great for using up leftover chicken.
Adjust Consistency: Use more or less milk to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
Chop Uniformly: Ensure even cooking by chopping ingredients into similar sizes.
Layer Flavors: Build flavors by adding ingredients in stages.
Keep Pasta Warm: Mix pasta immediately with the sauce to keep it warm and prevent sticking.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the dish hot and fresh.