Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Elevate your dinner experience with this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, velvety sauce. Infused with the flavors of garlic, lemon, and a touch of white wine, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Top it off with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley for a dish that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it hot and watch your loved ones rave about it!
6
Servings
467
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
chicken broth
2/3 cup (low-sodium)
half-and-half or light cream
1/2 cup (as preferred)
sour cream
1/2 cup (regular or light)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
dry white wine or juice
1/4 cup (apple juice or white grape juice)
garlic
1-2 cloves (minced)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
salt and pepper
to taste (season to preference)
cooked chicken breasts
3 cups (cubed)
spaghetti
8 ounces (cooked)
paprika
2 teaspoons (for garnish)
extra parmesan cheese
to taste (for topping)
chopped fresh parsley
for garnish (freshly chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour continuously until a smooth paste forms and it becomes slightly golden.
3
Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Next, pour in the half-and-half (or light cream) and stir until well combined.
4
Incorporate the sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, wine (or juice), minced garlic, lemon juice, dry mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken and the cooked spaghetti. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and pasta, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, smooth out the top, and sprinkle generously with paprika and extra Parmesan cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
8
Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
30g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake?
It is a comforting dish combining tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and white wine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 467 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 27g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe contains 30g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the spaghetti bake need to stay in the oven?
Bake the dish for 30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can use apple juice or white grape juice as a non-alcoholic substitute for the dry white wine.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked chicken breasts, cubed.
Do I need to cook the spaghetti before assembly?
Yes, the recipe requires 8 ounces of cooked spaghetti.
What can I use instead of half-and-half?
You can use light cream as an alternative to half-and-half.
Is the dry mustard mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard is optional.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The dish is garnished with paprika and freshly chopped parsley.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Should the garlic be fresh or minced?
The recipe suggests using 1-2 cloves of minced garlic for the best flavor.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour to create a smooth golden paste.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.
What type of sour cream should I use?
You can use either regular or light sour cream depending on your preference.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
The mixture should be transferred into a greased baking dish and smoothed out on top.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, cubed rotisserie chicken is a perfect and convenient option for the 3 cups of cooked chicken needed.
Is lemon juice necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to help infuse the sauce with a bright flavor.
What kind of flour is used for the roux?
All-purpose flour is whisked with butter to thicken the sauce.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
What does the paprika add to the dish?
Paprika provides a dash of color and visual appeal as a garnish on top of the casserole.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be stirred over heat until it thickens, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights.
Can I use low-sodium broth?
Yes, the ingredients list recommends using low-sodium chicken broth.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
While not explicitly in the instructions, you can mix in cooked vegetables like peas or spinach when combining the chicken and pasta.
Is the spaghetti baked covered or uncovered?
The instructions suggest baking the dish uncovered until it is bubbly and golden.