Margaret'S Chicken Spaghetti
Creamy chicken spaghetti combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and cheesy goodness, making it a comforting family favorite perfect for casual dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimentos, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Stew chicken, remove from bone, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook onion, green pepper, and celery in chicken broth until tender.
- Cook spaghetti; rinse and drain.
- Mix cooked spaghetti with two-thirds of the cheese.
- Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, vegetables, broth, pimentos, chicken, salt, and pepper; combine well.
- Pour mixture into a large or two small buttered casseroles.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until cheese melts and casserole is hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the vegetables or adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. If you don't have chicken broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but the dish may lose some depth. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. For a twist, try adding cooked bacon or substituting spaghetti with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken spaghetti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of Fresh Cauliflower Soup to complement the flavors. For a touch of freshness, add a sprinkle of parsley or basil on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Margaret'S Chicken Spaghetti contains roughly 379 calories, with 11g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1941mg per serving (84% 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 freeze the chicken spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken spaghetti before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add 20-30 minutes to the baking time. If freezing leftovers, store in individual portions for convenient meals later.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can mix it up by using mozzarella for a gooey texture or a blend of cheeses for more flavor. Parmesan can also be sprinkled on top for an added salty finish. Feel free to adjust based on your cheese preferences or what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken spaghetti in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. This is a great option for meal prepping or for entertaining guests.
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).