Chicken Cheese Spaghetti
Creamy chicken spaghetti with olives and pimentos offers a comforting blend of tender chicken, savory broth-infused pasta, and rich cheese flavors. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, its hearty and cheesy appeal makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil one chicken, then skin and debone it.
- Cool the chicken and tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook spaghetti in chicken broth saved from boiling the chicken, adding water if necessary.
- Drain most of the broth from the spaghetti, but save it.
- Add chicken pieces, drained black olives, diced pimentos, and Cheez Whiz to the spaghetti.
- Mix everything together in a large dish.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute the Cheez Whiz with a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar. If you prefer a healthier version, consider using whole wheat spaghetti and adding fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. To enhance the flavor, you can incorporate garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the chicken broth while cooking the spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cheese Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a light vinaigrette salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a more filling option, you can serve it alongside Old-Fashioned Corn Bread Dressing for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Cheese Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through, or warm it in a skillet over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cheese Spaghetti contains roughly 208 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1482mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the spaghetti along with the other ingredients. This will reduce your prep time significantly and still deliver delicious flavors.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for cooking the spaghetti. This will create a flavorful vegetarian version without sacrificing the comforting nature of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Cheese Spaghetti a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, cool it completely, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just be sure to add some broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).