Savory Chicken Spaghetti: A Comforting Delight!
As soon as the cooler weather arrives, we’re all looking for a warm and hearty meal that can remind us of the comforts of home. And there is no better way to feel cozy and satisfied than indulging in Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti recipe. This dish is not only delicious but has been a classic recipe in my family for generations. As a scribe for home chefs around the world, I am lucky enough to share this unforgettable recipe with you.
There is something about the combination of chicken, vegetables, and spaghetti that is so satisfying: one bite after another fills you with warmth, comfort and pure joy. For many families, recipes like these are passed down from parent to child and kept close as hidden treasures for holidays or special occasions. To me, Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti represents warmth, comfort and memories.
And I must warn you: once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back. It’s a perfect pick for feeding your family on weekends or if you’re planning on having some friends over for dinner. This recipe is so delicious that it feels like a bear hug in a bowl!
So, break out your apron, dust off that cast iron skillet, and let’s get cooking. Follow me as I help you recreate this classic masterpiece from my family’s cookbook – step by step, ingredient by ingredient!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, all you foodies out there! If you’re looking to indulge in a hearty and flavorful dish that is bound to tantalize your taste buds, then Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti recipe is exactly what you need. Trust me on this one, folks; it’s a recipe that delivers every time.
The perfect marriage of savory chicken, creamy Velveeta cheese, and tangy tomato sauce makes this dish truly irresistible. Not to mention the addition of mushroom pieces and chopped veggies like celery and bell pepper, which add a depth of flavor that will blow your mind away!
Whether you’re cooking for the family or throwing a party, Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti is a recipe that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s easy on the budget and can be whipped up in no time with simple pantry staples.
This fabulous recipe packs quite a punch in terms of nutrition too. With wholesome ingredients like pasta sauce, chicken breasts, and chicken broth, you can feed yourself and your loved ones without feeling guilty about indulging in comfort food.
So go ahead and give Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti recipe a go. I guarantee that once you taste it, there will be no going back. You might even find yourself adding it to your list of go-to recipes as I did!
Ingredient List
Before you start cooking, let’s go over the complete list of ingredients you’ll need to cook Nana’s delicious chicken spaghetti. You’ll be surprised to see some of the most unexpected ingredients you need to incorporate in this recipe to give it a delightful twist. So, let’s gather everything we will need for this recipe.
1. Pasta and Sauces
- 8 oz Spaghetti
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies
2. Vegetables and Meats
- 1 chopped Onion
- 1 c Chopped Celery
- 1 chopped Bell Pepper
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 lb Velveeta Cheese
- Mushroom pieces
3. Miscellaneous Items
- Salt and Pepper to taste (use Red pepper for more heat)
- Olive oil or butter for cooking
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to cooking the Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti recipe. This recipe is pretty straightforward and simple, yet it tastes so good that you’ll make it over and over again.
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
Firstly, start with cooking the spaghetti according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, drain the water and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
In a large pot, cook the chicken breasts until no longer pink inside, over medium-high heat. You can use a mix of chicken breast and thigh meat, depending on what you prefer. Once cooked, shred the chicken or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare vegetables and sauce
In a skillet, sauté onions, celery, and bell peppers in butter until they turn translucent. Next, add a can of cream of mushroom soup, a can of crème of chicken soup, one jar (16 oz.) of good quality pasta sauce, one can (10 oz.) of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) and one teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder until everything is well-combined.
Step 4: Add Velveeta cheese
Once the veggies are ready and bubbling in their sauce, stir in 1/2 block (8 oz) of cubed Velveeta cheese until fully melted.
Step 5: Combine pasta, vegetables and chicken
Now combine everything together- add your cooked spaghetti as well as cooked chicken pieces to your veggie velveeta sauce mixture in a large casserole dish-
Step 6: Bake!
Bake this dish uncovered for 30-40 minutes at 350F until it’s heated through and bubbly around the edges.
Enjoy hot from the oven!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always ways to mix it up and customize it to your personal preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider when making Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti:
– Try using different types of pasta. While spaghetti is the classic choice, you could also use fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne.
– Swap out the Velveeta cheese for a different type of cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even Parmesan would all be delicious alternatives.
– Use different vegetables in place of celery and bell pepper. Some good options include zucchini, carrots, or green beans.
– Customize the heat level by tweaking the amount of spice. Add some red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick, or leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
– Experiment with different meats. While chicken is yummy in this recipe, cooked ground beef or chopped up sausage could work just as well.
– Make it vegetarian by simply leaving out the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
The possibilities are endless – feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Get ready to dive into a taste explosion in every bite of this savory and satisfying Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti recipe. The mellow flavors of the tender cooked chicken combined with the creamy velveeta cheese and beautifully cooked pasta is a match made in heaven. This hearty meal is sure to win over even the most demanding palates, filling their tummy, and knocking their socks off.
For serving, I typically serve this dish immediately after I cook it, allowing my guests to enjoy that steamy and comforting feeling that only fresh-cooked pasta can provide. The tantalizing aroma from the warm plate will beckon all who smell it, luring them to dive in.
Pairing this chicken spaghetti with some crusty bread and a simple refreshing salad will make for an easy and delicious meal. I recommend pairing this dish with a Caesar salad or a green leafy salad filled with veggies, helping balance out the richness of the cheese.
As for drinks, I suggest serving this dish with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. Alternatively, if you want to go the beer route, a smooth lager or amber ale would pair well.
So there you have it, my friends – a complete guide on how to serve and pair my fabulous Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti recipe. So fire up those pans and get ready to treat your loved ones to a thoroughly satisfying meal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the age-old question – to make ahead, or not to make ahead? As someone who knows the ins and outs of Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, I’d say it’s definitely worth considering.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can definitely make it in advance. Why not whip up a batch on a day when you’ve got some time to spare, and then freeze it for later? It’s a great way to save time when you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and hearty meal.
Storing this dish is also a breeze. If you’re not planning on freezing it, just pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. And if you do choose to freeze it (which I highly recommend), just make sure to let it cool completely before doing so. You’ll want to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then cover it in foil (or transfer it to a freezer-safe container) before stashing it away.
When the time comes to reheat your Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti, there are a few options at your disposal. For best results, I recommend reheating individual portions in the microwave or oven. You can also reheat the entire dish in the oven – just make sure to cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Lastly, if you’ve recently made this recipe and have some leftovers on hand, I highly recommend incorporating them into other dishes! From spaghetti omelettes to cheesy chicken casseroles, there are endless ways to repurpose Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. Trust me – your taste buds will thank you.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want your Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti to be remembered long after the party is over, then get ready for some secret tips from a seasoned home chef. I have served this recipe on countless occasions, and I have learned a few things along the way that can help you make the most out of your cooking. By following these simple tips, you will achieve perfect results every time.
Firstly, when it comes to precooking chicken breasts or any other part of the chicken you prefer, add some salt to it beforehand. Doing so helps keep the chicken juicy and enhances its flavor besides drawing out water from it. When it comes to shredding the chicken, let it cool for a while before shredding it by hand or using a mixer with a shredding tool. Remember, too much shredding can turn your cooked chicken into mush.
Another tip for getting perfect results is to cook the spaghetti separately and not in the meat sauce. Cook it according to package directions—and don’t skimp on salted water as it flavors pasta from inside—from before starting with anything else so that it has time to cool down before mixing it with the sauce later. This way, you get spaghetti that isn’t overcooked or mushy and holds sauce on its outer layer while being firm inside.
Lastly, if you want an incredibly rich and creamy taste and texture in your spaghetti recipe nana, use Velveeta cheese made of tins of diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of tomatoes paste or fresh tomatoes; however, fresh tomatoes add brightness and a nice sour note, but canned tomatoes take less time to cook and blend better in this particular recipe. The best way to cut velveeta is by freezing it first and using a sharp knife or grater after thawing it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
By following these tips—the right amount of seasoning ahead of precooking chicken breasts/shredding them well separately cooked spaghetti adding Velveeta cheese in slices instead of chunks—you will be serving up a dish of delectable nana chicken spaghetti that will have everyone talking at your next party or gathering!
FAQ
We understand that sometimes certain concerns linger after reading through recipes. That’s why, in this FAQ section, I’ve listed the most common questions our readers have asked us about Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti recipe – from ingredient substitutes to cooking techniques. Read through these common queries so you can cook with confidence and get the best possible outcome from the recipe!
How do I thicken chicken spaghetti?
To thicken your pasta sauce, grab a small bowl and pour in ¼ cup of water. Next, add cornstarch to the water, making sure to whisk it until it dissolves completely. Pour the resulting cornstarch slurry into the warmed pasta sauce and whisk thoroughly. Allow the sauce to gently simmer and you’ll notice it thickening up quickly.
What is chicken spaghetti made of?
Chicken spaghetti is a delectable baked dish prepared with spaghetti noodles and seasoned shredded chicken mixed in a luscious and creamy sauce. This sauce is made with a blend of hearty ingredients such as Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, Velveeta cheese, and various aromatic herbs and spices.
Bottom Line
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking with Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti Recipe! With its creamy texture and rich blend of flavors, you’ll be the talk of the town among your foodie friends. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients – this recipe is simple to make and worth all of the effort. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll never go back to any other spaghetti dish! So, come on and dive in – unleash your inner chef and enjoy one of the best chicken spaghetti dishes out there.
Nana’s Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2-2 lbs chicken breasts
- 3 (10 1/2 ounce) cans tomato soup
- 3 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup (can substitute cream of chicken)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- butter
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 3/4 lb Velveeta cheese
- 1 (8 ounce) jar mushroom pieces
Instructions
- Saute onion, bell pepper and celery in a little butter.
- Boil chicken and shred.
- Cook spaghetti in chicken broth. If there is not enough broth, add water as necessary.
- Drain spaghetti.
- Add soups, chicken, celery, bell pepper, onion, cheese, and mushrooms.
- Stir until all is mixed together and cheese is melted.
- You can add other seasonings to taste - chili powder, garlic salt, etc.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!