<h1>Chicken Spaghetti Surprise!</h1>
What are some comfort food recipes that are secretly a little bit fancy?Chicken Spaghetti Surprise!What is a recipe? What would happen if Chicken Pot Pie had a baby? What are some of the best recipes ever made? My grandma used to whip up this on weeknights and it always felt like such a treat. Is it easier than it sounds and way more satisfying than you’d expect? What are some of the family staples that my kids request?
What is a chicken spaghetti surprise?
Think of Chicken Spaghetti Surprise as the ultimate cozy casserole. It’s essentially a creamy, cheesy spaghetti dish loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and a hint of spice. The “surprise” element? Well, it’s partly the amazing flavor that sneaks up on you, and partly the simplicity of putting it all together. This isn’t your average spaghetti dinner; it’s elevated comfort food. This recipe takes basic ingredients and transforms them into something truly special that everyone, even the pickiest eaters, will devour. It’s a crowd-pleaser, for sure, and a weeknight win!
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and creamy? Is it the kind of dish that makes you want to lick your plate clean? What I love about this book is that it’s so easy to understand.Chicken Spaghetti Surprise! is how easy it is to throw together. Seriously, on busy weeknights when I’m juggling homework, soccer practice, and everything else life throws my way, this is my go-to. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. Chicken, spaghetti, some veggies – you probably have most of it already in your pantry and fridge.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add different veggies, use different cheeses, or even throw in some bacon (because, why not?). You can also make it ahead of time and bake it later, which is a huge time-saver. Trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver, a flavor bomb, and a family favorite all rolled into one. It’s even better than my old standby, tuna Noodle Casserole, because the chicken adds so much heartiness.
How do I make a Chicken Spaghetti Surprise?
Quick Overview
Making this Chicken Spaghetti Surprise!Is it easier than you think? How do you cook spaghetti, mix it with a creamy, cheesy sauce, add cooked chicken and serve. Is it safe to bake a vegetable until it’s golden brown? How do you make spaghetti sauce? Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step!
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti: What is
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked al dente.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil per person.
For the Chicken and Veggies:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)?
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- What is the best condensed cream for chicken soup?
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed. 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion. 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 tsp.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- What is 1/4 teaspoon black pepper?
What is Cheesy Sauce?
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1 tbsp.
- 1/2 cup milk
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. What is the importance of this so that nothing sticks? I always use cooking spray, but you could also use butter or oil.
Step 2: Cook Spaghetti
Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with Olive Oil to prevent sticking. Make sure not to overcook it! Slightly undercooked is better because it will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Veggies
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream of mushroom, and shredded cheese. Serve immediately. Cream of Chicken Soup, peas and carrots, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Make Cheesy Sauce
In a separate bowl, beat the Cream Cheese until smooth. Set aside. Add the cheddar cheese and milk and mix until well combined and creamy. If the cheese is not smooth enough, you can microwave it for a few seconds to help it melt.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken and veggie mixture. Pour the cheesy sauce over the top and mix everything together until well combined. Make sure the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you serve hot or cold?
What should I serve it with?
This Chicken Spaghetti Surprise!is pretty hearty on its own, but it’s also great with a few simple side dishes.What is a good light lunch?What is a simple green salad dressing? The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of casserole.For a family dinner: Some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce, and maybe some steamed broccoli or Green Beans for a little extra veggies.
For a potluck: This is always a hit at potlucks! Just bring it in the baking dish and let people serve themselves. Maybe add a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Honestly, though, sometimes I just grab a fork and dig in straight from the pan. No judgment!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Spaghetti Surprise
Okay, so here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this Chicken Spaghetti Surprise even *more* amazing:
Chicken Choices: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s so easy, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure it’s well-drained.
Veggies Galore: Don’t be afraid to add extra veggies! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach would be great additions. Just sauté them before adding them to the mixture.
Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. My husband loves it when I do this!
Cheese, Please: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a little Parmesan would all be delicious. I usually stick with cheddar because that’s what I have on hand.
Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you mix it in. This will help it blend smoothly and prevent lumps in your sauce. I always forget this step and then end up microwaving it for too long!
Noodle Know-How: Don’t overcook the spaghetti! It should be al dente, meaning it’s still a little firm. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to get mushy. I usually set a timer for a minute or two less than the package directions.
Mix Master: When you’re mixing everything together, be gentle so you don’t break the spaghetti. You want everything to be evenly coated with the sauce, but you don’t want to end up with a pile of mush.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Spaghetti Surprise is great for leftovers!
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave it out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze it for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I find that freezing it can sometimes change the texture slightly, but it’s still delicious.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it in individual portions, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth. When reheating in the oven, I usually cover it with foil for the first half of the time to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Chicken Spaghetti Surprise. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s always a hit. I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that just makes everyone happy, and that’s what cooking is all about, right? If you love comfort food that’s also secretly a little bit fancy, you’re going to adore this! And if you’re looking for other easy weeknight dinners, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!
Chicken Spaghetti Surprise
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breast Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 1 cup Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, cook chicken until browned.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk. Simmer until heated through.
- Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine cooked spaghetti and chicken mixture. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
