Description
A hearty and comforting spaghetti casserole with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, juicy chicken, and a touch of spice, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter (For flavor and cooking)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For flavor and cooking)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Freshly minced, not from a jar)
- 1 cup Chicken broth (To lighten the sauce)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (For creamy texture)
- 1/2 cup Cream cheese (Adds body and creaminess)
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Never use powdered cheese)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For warm flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (For heat)
- To taste Hot sauce or red pepper flakes (Optional, for extra spice)
For the Casserole
- 12 ounces Spaghetti (Cook just shy of al dente)
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Sliced or pounded to even thickness)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until just shy of al dente, then scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil and a pat of butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear the seasoned chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden, remove to a plate, and let it rest.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat and add a touch more butter.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken broth and let it simmer.
- Add cream and cream cheese, whisk until smooth.
- Off the heat, add freshly grated Parmesan in small handfuls, stirring constantly.
- If the sauce is too thick, splash in starchy pasta water to loosen. Fold in the spaghetti.
- Slice the chicken and nestle into the pan. Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra spice if desired.
Baking
- Transfer everything to a greased casserole dish.
- Scatter a little more Parmesan on top.
- Bake until bubbly and lightly golden, about 15 minutes.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding spinach, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. Store leftovers in shallow containers and reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Southern