Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti

Get ready to discover the ultimate Southern chicken spaghetti recipe. It’s been warming hearts in Mississippi kitchens since 1987! This cheesy pasta casserole is more than just a meal. It’s a tradition that brings families together.

This comfort food recipe comes from Mississippi’s heart. It turns simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. It’s sure to become a family favorite. With just over two hours of preparation, you’ll serve up to 8 people.

The dish features tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This Southern classic will be the star of your next family gathering. When humble ingredients come together, the result is irresistible. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti

Making the ultimate Southern chicken spaghetti starts with the right ingredients. This classic dish combines simple yet powerful flavors. It turns your dinner into a memorable meal.

The Power of Cheese: Velveeta and Cheddar Combo

The secret to amazing chicken spaghetti is its cheese blend. Use Velveeta cheese and sharp cheddar for the best flavor and creaminess. Velveeta makes it smooth, while sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy kick.

• 12 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces mixed in, 4 ounces for topping)
• Velveeta cheese creates the ultimate creamy base
• Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded options

Rotel Tomatoes: The Secret Flavor Boost

Rotel tomatoes are the dish’s unexpected hero. These zesty, diced tomatoes with green chilies add a bright, spicy flavor. One cup of Rotel tomatoes makes your chicken spaghetti phenomenal.

Choosing the Right Pasta and Chicken

Choose spaghetti noodles that can handle the creamy sauce. I like using 8 ounces of angel hair pasta for a delicate texture. For the chicken, use 2 cups of chopped, cooked meat. Make sure your chicken is at least 165°F for safety.

Pro tip: This recipe makes 8-10 servings and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare and cook. With these ingredients, you’ll make a Southern classic that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Get ready to make a delicious chicken spaghetti casserole that your family will love! I’ll guide you through cooking chicken, boiling pasta, and making the perfect cheese sauce.

Cooking the Chicken and Pasta

Start by preparing the main ingredients. Here’s how to cook chicken and pasta easily:

• Select a whole chicken (approximately 4 lbs)
• Boil chicken in water seasoned with 4 tablespoons of kosher salt
• Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces
• Boil 8 oz. of spaghetti for 12-15 minutes until just past done

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the magic part of this casserole! Here are the ingredients for a creamy base:

• 4 oz. shredded medium Cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 drops hot sauce

Mix these ingredients in a large skillet over low heat. Stir until the cheese melts. You’ll get a velvety smooth cheese sauce that’s irresistible!

Assembly and Baking Instructions

Now, let’s put it all together for your perfect chicken spaghetti:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish
3. Mix shredded chicken, pasta, and cheese sauce
4. Transfer mixture to greased baking dish
5. Top with additional shredded cheese
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts

Pro tip: For the best flavor, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This lets the cheese sauce set and get even tastier!

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

Your Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy cooks! It’s great for meal planning and saves time on weeknights. You can make it up to three days ahead and keep it in the fridge until baking time. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make more for future meals.

Exploring recipe variations keeps things fresh. Swap Velveeta for other cheeses or add green chiles or bacon. For a healthier option, use whole wheat spaghetti or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. These changes can make your dish unique and exciting.

Wrapping your freezer meal right is key. Use plastic wrap or parchment paper on top before covering with foil. This keeps flavors fresh when you reheat. Remember to label your casserole with the date and what’s inside.

Serving your chicken spaghetti can be fun. Try it with a green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a full meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend get-togethers. Your guests will love the cheesy, Southern flavors.