Cheesy Chicken Confetti Pasta Bake
Delight your taste buds with this Cheesy Chicken Confetti Pasta Bake! This one-dish meal combines tender spaghetti with a colorful medley of vegetables and savory canned chicken, all enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with a deliciously cheesy and crunchy breadcrumb crust, this dish is baked to perfection, creating a comforting and satisfying meal for family and friends. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
6
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
8 ounces (broken into 2-inch pieces)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
canned chicken breast meat
18 ounces (drained and shredded)
pimientos
4 ounces (diced and drained)
mixed vegetables
8 ounces (diced onion, bell pepper, and celery)
cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4 ounces (ready to use)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
chicken broth
14 ounces (ready to use)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups (shredded)
breadcrumbs
1 cup (preferably Progresso Panko)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large pot of boiling water, break the spaghetti into 2-inch pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, just until partially tender; stir occasionally. Drain and set aside.
3
While the pasta is cooking, cut the butter into small pieces and place them in a medium bowl to soften. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced pimientos, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, kosher salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir until well blended, then cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is hot and the vegetables begin to soften.
4
Once the spaghetti is drained, stir it into the hot chicken and vegetable mixture. Transfer everything evenly into a 2-quart baking dish.
5
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs into the softened butter, using your fingertips to blend until crumbly. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and pasta.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
7
Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
45g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken Confetti Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender spaghetti, a colorful medley of vegetables, and savory canned chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a cheesy breadcrumb crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving of this pasta bake?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How should the spaghetti be prepared for this dish?
The spaghetti should be broken into 2-inch pieces and boiled for about 5 minutes until it is partially tender.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 18 ounces of canned chicken breast meat, which should be drained and shredded.
What vegetables are included in the 'confetti' mix?
The vegetable mix consists of diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and diced pimientos.
How long should I microwave the chicken and vegetable mixture?
Microwave the mixture on high for 2-3 minutes until it is hot and the vegetables begin to soften.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
You will need a 2-quart baking dish.
How do I make the cheesy breadcrumb topping?
In a separate bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs into softened butter using your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly.
What kind of breadcrumbs are recommended?
The recipe recommends using Progresso Panko breadcrumbs for the best texture.
How long does the dish need to bake in the oven?
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
What kind of soup is used as the base for the sauce?
A 10 3/4-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is used.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 14 ounces of chicken broth.
What type of cheese is best for the topping?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can substitute canned chicken with an equivalent amount of cooked, shredded fresh chicken breast.
What gives the dish its 'confetti' appearance?
The combination of colorful diced pimientos and mixed vegetables like bell peppers creates the confetti look.
Is this recipe considered an easy weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a one-dish meal, making it ideal for busy schedules.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 16.7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 45g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
Are there any specific spices used?
The dish is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
How do I soften the butter for the topping?
Cut the butter into small pieces and place them in a bowl at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
While the recipe calls for mushroom soup, you could likely substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include chicken, spaghetti, pasta bake, one dish meal, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Is the spaghetti fully cooked before baking?
No, it is only partially cooked for 5 minutes so that it finishes cooking in the oven with the sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Is the chicken broth added to the microwave mixture?
Yes, the chicken broth is combined with the chicken, vegetables, and soup before microwaving.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is done when the breadcrumb and cheese topping is golden brown and you see bubbles around the edges.