Description
Enjoy a comforting Chicken Spaghetti Mac and Cheese with a creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken. Perfect for family meals!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or a milk alternative)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: If using cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Shred or dice the chicken once cooked.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the sauce thickens, add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.