Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

🍗🍝 Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole 🥘

Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that has a rich history of being a family favorite at gatherings and special occasions. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, pasta, a creamy sauce, and cheese to create a delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History:
The exact origin of Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is unclear, but it’s likely rooted in the Southern United States, where casseroles are a popular comfort food. This dish probably has its origins in home kitchens and was passed down through generations, with each family adding its unique twist to the recipe.

Components:

• 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 8 ounces of spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup of diced onions
• 1/2 cup of diced celery
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, cooked spaghetti, diced bell peppers, onions, and celery.

4. In another bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir until everything is well combined.

5. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and spaghetti mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly.

6. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.

7. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

8. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

9. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.

10. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Total Time:
The preparation and cooking time for Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole will take approximately 1 hour, which includes the time needed for baking. It’s a delightful dish that’s worth the effort, and it’s sure to be a hit at family gatherings or weeknight dinners. 😋🍽️ Enjoy!

🍗🍝 Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🥘

While Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is undeniably delicious, it’s also essential to be aware of its nutritional content and consider it in the context of a balanced diet. Here are some nutrition facts and health information for this dish:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for a standard serving):

• Calories: Around 400-450 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 30-35 grams per serving
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams per serving
• Total Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
• Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams per serving
• Cholesterol: About 60-70 milligrams per serving
• Sodium: Around 1000-1200 milligrams per serving

Health Information:

1. Protein: The chicken in this dish provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

2. Carbohydrates: The pasta contributes to the carbohydrate content, offering energy for your body. However, be mindful of portion size if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.

3. Fiber: While this dish may not be particularly high in fiber, you can increase the fiber content by using whole-grain pasta or adding more vegetables to the recipe.

4. Fat: The casserole contains a moderate amount of fat, largely from the cheese and creamy soups. While fat is an essential part of a balanced diet, it’s advisable to consume this dish in moderation, especially if you’re concerned about fat intake.

5. Saturated Fat: Saturated fat content, mainly from the cheese and creamy soups, should be monitored as excessive intake can contribute to heart health concerns. Consider using low-fat or reduced-sodium soup options to reduce saturated fat content.

6. Cholesterol: The casserole contains a moderate amount of cholesterol due to the chicken. If you’re monitoring your cholesterol intake, consider using lean chicken breast or reducing the portion size.

7. Sodium: One of the main health concerns with this dish is its sodium content. Canned soups often have high sodium levels, and using two cans of condensed soup and chicken broth can significantly increase the sodium content. To make it healthier, look for low-sodium or reduced-sodium soup options and use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own.

8. Vegetable Options: To make this dish healthier, consider adding more vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas to increase the nutrient content and fiber while reducing the calorie density.

Remember, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and the portion size. It’s always a good idea to be mindful of your dietary needs and make adjustments to the recipe to better align with your health goals. Enjoy Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet. 😊🍽️