Chicken Spaghetti With Broccoli
Creamy chicken spaghetti with broccoli offers a comforting blend of cheesy, savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a hearty, satisfying appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts until tender, then debone and cut into small pieces.
- Cook spaghetti in chicken broth used for boiling the chicken, then drain.
- Cook broccoli for approximately 4 minutes and drain.
- Combine mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth, and Velveeta cheese in a saucepan and heat over low until the cheese melts.
- Place the cooked broccoli in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Add a portion of the cheese sauce over the broccoli.
- Layer the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken on top of the spaghetti and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the entire casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce. If you want a healthier option, substitute whole wheat spaghetti for regular spaghetti and use low-fat cheese. You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen, adjusting cooking time accordingly. For added flavor, include garlic powder or onion powder in the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light vinaigrette salad. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings, reminiscent of comforting American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti With Broccoli contains roughly 327 calories, with 16g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 685mg per serving (30% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will save you time. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the casserole in place of freshly cooked chicken. This is a great way to utilize leftovers and make the dish even quicker to prepare.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti. Additionally, ensure that your mushroom soup is gluten-free, or you can make a homemade version using gluten-free ingredients. This allows everyone to enjoy this comforting meal without dietary concerns.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli. Prepare the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option for busy days.
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).