Creamy baked pasta with juicy chicken and plenty of cheese—what’s not to like ya’ll?
I’ve tossed this together so many times, I could do it blindfolded—and it still wows me.
Here’s my trick: toss the spaghetti with a splash of broth before mixing; it stays moist that way.
Letting the sauce simmer for a few minutes before combining everything gives it a richer taste.
A pinch of garlic powder and black pepper keeps it from tasting too one-note.
Covering the dish loosely with foil for the first half of baking keeps the top from over-browning before the inside is hot.
This dish is a total blast to cook up and devour with folks you enjoy!
How to Make Joanna Gaines Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 2 cups Chicken (cooked and shredded)
- 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz.)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz.)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Drain it and set aside.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions, mushrooms, and bell pepper until softened.
This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the can of tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet.
Stir well.
Step 4:
Combine the mixture with the cooked chicken and spaghetti.
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6:
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes or until bubbling.
Serve hot!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Add Extra Vegetables
Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost the nutrition in this dish and make it your own creation!
Make It Spicier
You can add a dash of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you want a little heat in the dish.
Use Different Cheese
While cheddar is classic, try mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a unique blend of flavors.
Preparing Ahead
This dish can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep!
Avoid Overcooking the Spaghetti
Make sure not to overcook your spaghetti, as it’ll continue cooking in the oven along with all the other ingredients.
What to Serve with Joanna Gaines’ Chicken Spaghetti
Classic Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread to soak up all the creamy goodness of Joanna’s chicken spaghetti.
I like to keep it simple—fresh baguette slices brushed with a mixture of garlic-infused butter and a sprinkle of parsley.
Pop them in the oven until they’re golden and crisp.
Italian Chopped Salad
An Italian chopped salad is refreshing and complements the rich flavors of chicken spaghetti perfectly.
Use ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with your favorite Italian dressing.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and some olives for an extra touch.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a vegetable hit, roasted Brussels sprouts bring a unique twist.
Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle some sea salt and pepper before popping them in the oven.
You’ll love how their nutty flavor pairs with the pasta dish.
Sweet Potato Fries
Instead of typical fries, try baking sweet potato fries as a sweet and savory side.
Cut them into sticks, toss with olive oil, salt, and a touch of paprika for that kick.
Bake until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers offer a new twist with their refreshing combination of flavors.
Layer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on toothpicks.
Drizzle them with some balsamic glaze to enhance the flavors wonderfully.
These are just a few ideas, but feel free to mix and match sides according to your preferences.
There’s always room for creativity when serving up your chicken spaghetti!
Variations and Substitutions
Let’s shake things up with some fun alternatives for Joanna Gaines’ Chicken Spaghetti recipe!
Pasta
Swap the spaghetti for penne or fettuccine if you’re feeling adventurous.
You’ll notice the dish takes on a new texture while maintaining its charm.
Cheese
Opt for cheddar or mozzarella instead of processed cheese for a different depth of flavor.
Sometimes, I like mixing the two!
Vegetarian Twist
Replace the chicken with mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-friendly version.
It packs the same punch without the meat.
Spiciness
Kick it up by stirring in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
It adds a nice, zesty touch!
Gluten-Free
For a gluten-free variation, try using gluten-free pasta.
You’ll still enjoy that comforting taste!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Spaghetti
Storing leftover chicken spaghetti can make your weeknight dinners super easy and stress-free!
Here’s how I like to keep the leftovers fresh and tasty.
Cool Down
First, allow your chicken spaghetti to cool at room temperature for about an hour.
This prevents steam buildup, which can make the container damp and encourage bacteria growth.
Container Choice
Transfer the cooled spaghetti into an airtight container to maintain freshness.
If you don’t have airtight containers, a resealable plastic bag can also work well.
Refrigeration
Place the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it in the next few days.
Keeping it cold ensures that your chicken spaghetti stays safe to eat and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing Option
For longer storage, consider freezing your chicken spaghetti.
Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air, and then pop them in the freezer.
Freezing can keep the spaghetti good to eat for about two months, extending its life significantly!
Now your leftovers will be just as exciting as the first serving!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Cooking the Pasta Properly
Make sure your spaghetti is cooked to the right texture.
Overcooking can make it mushy, while undercooking leaves it chewy.
Keep an eye on it to strike the perfect balance!
Ignoring the Sauce Consistency
Getting the sauce wrong can make or break the dish.
If it’s too thick, the flavors might not coat the pasta well.
If it’s too thin, it won’t stick properly.
Adjust with broth or cheese as needed to perfect it!
Not Seasoning the Dish Appropriately
Neglecting to taste and season throughout cooking can lead to a bland dish.
A well-seasoned dish brings out all the wonderful flavors in the chicken and sauce.
Be generous with your spices and taste as you go!
Joanna Gaines Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 2 cups Chicken cooked and shredded
- 1 can Tomatoes 32 oz.
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup 10.5 oz.
- 1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
- 1 cup Mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain it and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions, mushrooms, and bell pepper until softened.
- This should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the can of tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet.
- Stir well.
- Combine the mixture with the cooked chicken and spaghetti.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes or until bubbling.
- Serve hot!