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Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake - recipe card
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A creamy, cheesy, and comforting bake featuring tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, savory sauce with roasted red peppers and mushrooms. Finished with a golden, bubbly cheese crust, this dish is a hearty weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
  • 2 cups (about 12 oz / 340g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (80g) onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped (from a jar)
  • 4 oz (115g) cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp (1.2g) kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp (0.6g) black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp (0.6g) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup (60g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup (30g) mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente (about 1 minute less than the recommended time). Drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so undercooking slightly prevents it from becoming mushy.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the roasted red peppers and mushrooms, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and it evaporates, and the vegetables begin to brown slightly.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the flour is lightly golden and the mixture looks pasty. This roux will thicken the sauce.
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and no dry flour remains.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. It should be slightly thicker than heavy cream.
  7. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Then add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
  9. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently with tongs until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
  10. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart (1.9L) baking dish (about 8×8 inches). Spread evenly.
  11. Sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  12. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without the final bake) and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for 15-20 minutes or until hot.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken spaghetti bake, pioneer woman chicken spaghetti, baked spaghetti with chicken, creamy chicken pasta casserole, chicken spaghetti casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food, American casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, spaghetti bake

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-chicken-spaghetti-bake/