Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced into bite-size pieces
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, regular or Mexican, cubed
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, regular or hot, undrained
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, red or green, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Prepare Chicken and Pasta:
- In a large pot, boil chicken breasts in water seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes. Remove chicken, let it cool, then dice into bite-size pieces.
- In the same pot, boil spaghetti pasta in the remaining chicken broth according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water. Set aside the cooked pasta; do not rinse.
2. Saute Onion and Bell Pepper:
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Saute the chopped onion and bell pepper until they are soft and translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and diced cooked chicken to the sauteed onion and bell pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Add Cheese:
- Gradually add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy chicken and cheese mixture until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6. Season and Serve:
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
7. Serve Hot:
- Serve the creamy chicken spaghetti hot, and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!
This creamy chicken spaghetti is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
Q1: What type of cheese is best for Creamy Chicken Spaghetti? A1: Velveeta cheese, either regular or Mexican variety, works best for Creamy Chicken Spaghetti due to its smooth texture and excellent melting properties.
Q2: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? A2: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can be diced and added to the sauce in place of cooking raw chicken breasts.
Q3: Can I make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time? A3: Yes, you can prepare the components of the dish ahead of time. Cook and dice the chicken, prepare the sauce, and boil the pasta separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stove, cook the pasta al dente, and combine them just before serving.
Q4: How do I reheat Creamy Chicken Spaghetti? A4: To reheat Creamy Chicken Spaghetti, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Q5: Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Spaghetti? A5: While it’s possible to freeze Creamy Chicken Spaghetti, the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid (like chicken broth) to restore the creamy consistency if necessary.
Q6: Can I customize the level of spiciness in this dish? A6: Yes, you can customize the spiciness by choosing between regular or hot Rotel tomatoes. If you prefer a milder version, opt for regular Rotel tomatoes. For a spicier kick, use the hot variety or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
Q7: What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Spaghetti? A7: Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a hearty dish on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complement the meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works well to balance the richness of the dish.
