Introduction
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe that will please the entire family? Look no further than this mouthwatering dish of Easy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. Packed with flavors, this recipe combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce to create a delightful meal that will leave everyone wanting more. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing this delectable dish, while also providing some helpful tips and variations to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious Easy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces of spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Easy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti
While the chicken is cooling, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Step 3: Saute the Aromatics
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) and the condensed cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake the dish for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations
- For an extra kick of flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the chicken breasts with cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to customize the dish to your liking.
- If you're a fan of vegetables, you can add some sliced mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an added nutritional boost.