My Cozy Kitchen Secret
I have a secret for tender chicken. Do not let the water boil hard. A gentle simmer is all you need. It keeps the chicken soft and easy to shred. I learned this from my own grandma.
It makes all the difference in a creamy dish. Tough chicken can ruin a good meal. This little care makes the whole thing better. It is a small step that matters a lot.
The Heart of the Dish
Now for the sauce. This is where the magic happens. You mix the tomatoes, soups, and all that cheese. The smell in your kitchen will be wonderful.
Stir it slowly over low heat. Watch the Velveeta and cream cheese melt together. It becomes so smooth and friendly. Does not that smell amazing? It always reminds me of family suppers.
A Little Story for You
I once made this for my grandson. He saw the Velveeta and was so curious. He asked if it was cheese from a spaceship. I still laugh at that.
He helped me stir the pot. His little face was so serious. Now it is his most-requested meal. Cooking with someone you love makes food taste better.
Bringing It All Together
Mix your shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce. Make sure every piece is covered. That creamy sauce is what holds everyone together.
Then you pour it all into your baking dish. A final sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top is the best part. It gets a little golden in the oven. What is your favorite cheese to sprinkle on top?
Why This Meal Matters
This is more than just food. It is a warm hug on a busy day. It fills your belly and makes you feel content. That is a wonderful feeling to share.
Gathering around a hot dish brings people closer. We talk and laugh and enjoy each other. These are the moments we remember. What is a meal that makes you feel that way?
A Fun Finale
Pop your dish into the oven. In about half an hour, it will be perfect. Bubbly, cheesy, and ready to eat. The wait is the hardest part.
Fun fact: The al dente for the pasta means to the tooth. It just means the pasta should have a little bite to it. It will not get mushy in the oven. Do you like your pasta soft or with a little bite?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 pounds | |
| Spaghetti | 1 (16-ounce) package | |
| Ro*Tel Tomatoes | 1 (10-ounce) can | Use with the juice |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 2 (10.5-ounce) cans | Undiluted |
| Velveeta cheese | 1 (16-ounce) package | |
| Cream cheese | 4 ounces | |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup | For sprinkling on top |
My Cozy Creamy Chicken Pasta
This recipe always reminds me of rainy afternoons. My grandkids would come in from school, their backpacks dripping. The smell of this baking would fill the whole house. It just makes everyone feel cozy and happy. It’s a simple dish, but it feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 can (10 oz) Ro*tel tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 lb Velveeta, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Let’s start with the chicken. Place it in a big pot and cover it with water. Cook it gently, don’t let it boil hard. A rolling boil makes the chicken tough, and we want it tender. Let it cool a bit, then pull it apart with two forks. It’s like making little chicken ribbons.
Step 2: Now, get your oven ready. Heat it up to 350°F. Grab your 13×9-inch baking dish. Give it a quick spray with cooking oil. This little step saves you so much scrubbing later. I still laugh at the time I forgot to grease the pan. We had to serve the casserole in chunks!
Step 3: Time for the spaghetti. Cook it just until it’s tender but still has a little bite. That’s what “al dente” means. Drain all that hot water away. (A hard-learned tip: don’t rinse the pasta! The starchy coating helps the sauce stick.) Set your noodles aside for their saucy bath.
Step 4: This is the fun part. In your big pot, mix the Ro*tel, soup, Velveeta, and cream cheese. Stir it over low heat until it’s all melty and smooth. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Add the garlic and onion powder. Then stir in your chicken and spaghetti. Get it all coated in that creamy goodness.
Step 5: Pour everything into your greased dish. Now for the cheesy blanket! Sprinkle that shredded cheddar all over the top. Pop it in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly. What’s your favorite cheesy topping for a casserole? Share below!
Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Three Tasty Twists to Try
This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up! Here are a few ways to make it new again. I love playing with my food, don’t you?
Spicy Fiesta: Use the “Hot” kind of Ro*tel tomatoes. Add a chopped jalapeño too. It gives the dish a little kick that makes you smile.
Veggie Lover’s: Skip the chicken. Stir in some steamed broccoli and sliced mushrooms instead. It’s so hearty and colorful on the plate.
Bacon Bliss: Crumble some cooked bacon on top before baking. The smoky flavor with the creamy sauce is just wonderful. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Masterpiece
Let’s talk about what to serve with your beautiful casserole. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect. The crisp greens cut through the richness so nicely. Some garlic bread is always a good idea for dipping.
For a drink, a cold glass of milk is my top pick. It’s a classic for a reason. For the grown-ups, a chilled Chardonnay pairs beautifully. It’s a lovely, crisp white wine. Which would you choose tonight?
Making Your Creamy Pasta Last
This dish is a lifesaver on a busy week. You can make it ahead and store it. Let it cool completely after baking. Then cover it tightly and put it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days.
You can also freeze it for a later date. I use an old baking dish just for freezing. Cover the pasta with foil and pop it in the freezer. It will be ready for you in a month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat, I put a single portion in a bowl. I add a tiny splash of milk or water. This keeps the sauce from drying out. Then I microwave it until it is warm and bubbly. I once forgot the splash of milk and the sauce got too thick.
Batch cooking like this saves you time and stress. It means a good meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Problems
Sometimes the sauce can be a little too thick. If this happens, do not worry. Just stir in a small amount of milk. Add it slowly until the sauce looks right. This makes the dish creamy and perfect.
Another problem is dry or tough chicken. I remember when this happened to me. I boiled the chicken too fast. Now I cook it gently in water that is just simmering. This keeps the chicken tender and easy to shred.
Your pasta might get too soft. Always cook it just until it is tender. It will finish cooking in the oven. Fun fact: Al dente pasta has a nice bite and holds up better in bakes. Getting these small things right builds your confidence. It also makes the food taste so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Creamy Pasta Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and cream of mushroom soup.
Q: How far ahead can I assemble it? A: You can put it together a day before. Keep it covered in the fridge until baking.
Q: What if I do not have Velveeta? A: You can use more cheddar cheese. The sauce will be a little less creamy but still good.
Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. Use a smaller baking dish too.
Q: Any extra tips for more flavor? A: Try adding a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking. It gives a nice, warm color and taste. Which tip will you try first?
Sharing Your Kitchen Creations
I hope this recipe brings warmth to your table. It is a dish made for sharing with loved ones. I would love to see how yours turns out. Your version might give me a new idea to try.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! It makes my day to see your photos. Thank you for cooking with me today.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Creamy Pasta with Chicken Recipe
Description
A comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy Velveeta and cream cheese sauce, and a crispy cheddar topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large pot and just cover with water. Cook over medium-low heat until cooked through. Try not to boil the chicken as it can make it tough. Allow to cool enough to handle, then shred using two forks.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, combine the Ro*Tel with the juice, undiluted cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese, and cream cheese. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheeses have melted. Add the garlic powder and onion powder. Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti. Mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese has melted.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use the ‘Hot’ variety of Ro*Tel tomatoes. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.