Description
This creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti brings together tender shredded chicken, al dente pasta, savory sautéed aromatics and a rich tomato-cheese sauce. It’s baked until bubbly and golden on top, making it the ultimate comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole.
Ingredients
For the pasta and chicken
12 ounces spaghetti
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
Salt, for pasta water
For the sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For topping
½ cup shredded mozzarella or extra cheddar
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside in the pot.
2️⃣ Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the flour over the aromatics, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
4️⃣ Reduce heat to low, add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar, and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, paprika, cayenne (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
5️⃣ Add the drained spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand. Transfer everything to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
6️⃣ Sprinkle the mozzarella (or extra cheddar) evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
7️⃣ Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.