Simple Chicken Spaghetti
A comforting chicken spaghetti casserole with tender chicken, cheesy flavor, and savory broth, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer chicken leg quarters until tender.
- Remove chicken from broth and allow to cool.
- Reserve 1 cup of broth.
- Place spaghetti in the reserved broth and boil, do not drain.
- When chicken has cooled, cut into small pieces.
- Add chicken to the cooked spaghetti.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, celery salt, and onion salt, then mix with chicken and spaghetti.
- Transfer to a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, add sautéed onions and garlic to the chicken while simmering. You can substitute the chicken leg quarters with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option. If you're short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead. To make it creamier, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the soup mixture. This dish also pairs beautifully with Celery Almandine as a side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make excellent accompaniments. For an elevated touch, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top before serving. It can also be paired with lighter dishes such as a simple green salad or Rice And Broccoli Casserole for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Simple Chicken Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Chicken Spaghetti contains roughly 288 calories, with 14g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. The key is to cook the pasta in the chicken broth for added flavor, regardless of the shape you choose.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can opt for whole wheat spaghetti and reduce the amount of cheese used. You can also add more vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value without compromising taste.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Just allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in the oven or microwave until hot.
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).