Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken adds protein and a savory flavor to the dish.

Spaghetti: The pasta base that holds the sauce and chicken together.

Diced tomatoes: Adds a fresh and slightly tangy flavor to the sauce.

Chicken broth: Provides a savory depth to the sauce.

Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for fresh onions.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.

When preparing the spaghetti, ensure you cook it to al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft. Additionally, when shredding the chicken, aim for even pieces to ensure a consistent texture throughout the dish.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it a suitable replacement.

• spaghetti - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb alternative that can provide a similar texture to spaghetti.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar flavor and consistency to diced tomatoes.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and is a good option for vegetarians.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can provide a creamy texture and is a good dairy-free alternative.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast has a cheesy flavor and is a good vegan alternative to parmesan cheese.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar flavor and texture to onion powder.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat with an additional kick.

• Allow the chicken spaghetti to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chicken spaghetti into airtight containers. Divide into meal-sized portions for easy reheating.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you use the oldest portions first, maintaining freshness.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken spaghetti within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer.
• When freezing, ensure the containers are freezer-safe to prevent cracking and freezer burn. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
• To reheat refrigerated chicken spaghetti, transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• For reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw the chicken spaghetti in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated portions.
• If you're in a hurry, you can reheat frozen chicken spaghetti directly in the microwave. Use the defrost setting first, then heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• For a stovetop reheating option, place the chicken spaghetti in a skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to maintain moisture. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating chicken spaghetti multiple times, as this can affect the texture and flavor. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

• Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the chicken spaghetti to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep it moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
  6. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the parmesan cheese get a bit crispy.

• Stovetop Method

  1. Place the chicken spaghetti in a large skillet or saucepan.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth or heavy cream to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cook until the spaghetti is heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave Method

  1. Place a portion of the chicken spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep it from drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir and check the temperature. If needed, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until heated through.

• Sous Vide Method

  1. Place the chicken spaghetti in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for about 30 minutes.
  4. Carefully remove the bag, open it, and serve the spaghetti hot.

• Large skillet: Use this to combine the chicken, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream, and to cook the mixture over medium heat.

• Pot: Use this to cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Use this to drain the cooked spaghetti.

• Wooden spoon: Use this to stir the ingredients in the skillet and to combine the spaghetti with the sauce.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Cheese grater: Use this to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

• Cutting board: Use this to dice the tomatoes if they are not pre-diced.

• Knife: Use this to dice the tomatoes and to shred the cooked chicken if it is not pre-shredded.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Pre-diced tomatoes: Opt for canned diced tomatoes to skip the chopping step.

One-pot method: Cook the spaghetti directly in the chicken broth and heavy cream mixture to save on dishes and time.

Pre-grated cheese: Use pre-grated parmesan cheese to avoid the extra step of grating.

Meal prep: Prepare and measure all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.