Creamy Italian Baked Chicken Spaghetti
Delight in the rich and savory flavors of our Creamy Italian Baked Chicken Spaghetti. Inspired by Paula Deen, this dish combines tender chicken, a luscious homemade creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked angel hair pasta. Unlike many casseroles, this recipe skips the canned soups, ensuring a fresh and vibrant taste. It's comfort food at its finest, crafted for both simplicity and indulgence. Ideal for family dinners, it's sure to be a hit for anyone who appreciates a hearty, Italian-inspired meal. Serve up a bit of warmth with every bite!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
chicken
3 cups (cooked and chopped)
diced tomatoes with garlic, basil and oregano
2 cans (14.5 ounces each)
heavy whipping cream
1 cup
cream cheese
1 package (3 ounces) (softened)
mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
angel hair pasta
1 package (8 ounces) (cooked and kept warm)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes until they are fragrant and tender.
3
Incorporate the cooked, chopped chicken into the skillet along with the canned diced tomatoes (with garlic, basil, and oregano) and heavy whipping cream.
4
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
5
Stir in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue to cook, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6
Gently fold in the warm, cooked angel hair pasta, ensuring it is well coated in the creamy sauce.
7
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
9
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Italian Baked Chicken Spaghetti.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this dish?
This dish is inspired by Paula Deen.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Does this casserole use canned cream of mushroom or chicken soup?
No, this recipe skips canned soups in favor of a fresh, homemade creamy tomato sauce.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the spaghetti bake in the oven?
It should bake for 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Angel hair pasta is used in this recipe.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 3 cups of cooked and chopped chicken.
Is the chicken added to the skillet raw?
No, the chicken should be already cooked and chopped before adding it to the skillet.
What specific type of canned tomatoes are recommended?
Use 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of diced tomatoes with garlic, basil, and oregano.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the quantity of onion needed?
You will need 1 cup of chopped onion.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
How much heavy whipping cream is in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.
What size package of cream cheese is used?
A 3-ounce package of softened cream cheese is used.
Should the cream cheese be cold when added?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
What is the total amount of mozzarella cheese needed?
A total of 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese is used.
How much mozzarella goes inside the pasta mixture?
1 cup of shredded mozzarella is stirred directly into the sauce.
How much mozzarella is used for the topping?
The remaining 1 cup of mozzarella is sprinkled over the top of the casserole.
What size baking dish is required?
Use a 9x13-inch baking dish.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they are fragrant and tender.
How long should the tomato and cream mixture simmer?
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
What should the sauce look like before adding the pasta?
The sauce should be smooth and creamy after the cheeses are fully melted.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly spray the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
When do I add the angel hair pasta?
Gently fold the pasta in after the sauce has thickened and the cheeses have melted.
What is the final appearance of the baked casserole?
The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown.
Should the dish be served immediately after baking?
It is recommended to allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to let it set slightly.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It is a rich, savory, and Italian-inspired comfort food.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as an ideal, hearty meal for family dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients listed for this recipe.