Recipe: Mexican Spaghetti π
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | onion |
| 2 cloves | garlic |
| 1/4 cup | butter |
| 1 tbsp | margarine |
| 1 can | whole tomatoes |
| 1 cup | chicken broth |
| 10 oz | spaghetti |
| 1 1/2 tsp | cumin |
| 1 cup | cooked white meat chicken or turkey |
| 2 cups | shredded cheddar cheese |
| – | Cooking spray |
Instructions
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Saute Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
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Prepare Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and whole tomatoes with their juices. Break up the tomatoes using a spoon or spatula.
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Add Spaghetti: Stir in the uncooked spaghetti and mix well with the sauce. Add picante sauce and sprinkle in cumin for a warm, spicy flavor.
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Simmer: Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
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Add Chicken or Turkey: Stir in the cooked white meat chicken or turkey pieces. Mix everything together thoroughly.
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Assemble Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the spaghetti mixture, ensuring even coverage.
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Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 383.6
- Total Fat: 15.5g
- Saturated Fat: 9.2g
- Cholesterol: 40.1mg
- Sodium: 801.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.5g
- Sugars: 7.9g
- Protein: 14.9g
Recipe Notes
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Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked poultry you have on hand.
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Cheese Preference: While the recipe suggests regular cheddar cheese, feel free to use low-fat or your preferred cheese for a slight variation in flavor and texture.
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Spiciness Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot picante sauce according to your preference.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the spaghetti mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from chilled.
This Mexican spaghetti casserole combines the comforting flavors of pasta, savory chicken, and melted cheese with a hint of Mexican spices, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Enjoy it as a hearty family dinner or bring it to potlucks and gatherings for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress!
