Chicken Spaghetti with Cheesy Cream Sauce
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 2 casseroles
Description:
This delightful Chicken Spaghetti with Cheesy Cream Sauce recipe has been passed down through generations, originating from the cherished collection of a preacher’s wife who frequently hosted gatherings and potlucks. It’s a hearty dish that yields enough to fill two casserole dishes, perfect for sharing with guests or storing one for a cozy family meal later.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 cups spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 quart (4 cups) milk
- 2/3 lb American cheese, grated or chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cooked chicken, deboned and shredded (approximately 4 cups)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Stew the chicken until fully cooked. Once done, debone and tear or cut into small pieces.
-
Cook Pasta and Vegetables:
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions in the water used to boil the chicken.
- In the same pot, add diced onions and green peppers. Cook until tender.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Drain the water from the pasta and vegetables.
- Mix in the chunked chicken and sliced mushrooms if desired.
-
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Stir in flour and salt, cooking until smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
-
Add Cheese:
- Stir in grated or chopped American cheese until fully melted and blended into the sauce.
-
Combine and Bake:
- Combine the cooked spaghetti, vegetables, chicken, and creamy cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into one or two casserole dishes, depending on your serving needs.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
-
Serve:
- Serve one casserole dish for guests while reserving the other for future family meals by freezing it.
This Chicken Spaghetti with Cheesy Cream Sauce is a comforting dish that promises to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures that make it a timeless favorite!
