Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Stir constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Combine everything: Turn off the heat. Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet. Use tongs to toss gently until everything is thoroughly coated in the cheese sauce. Add a splash more chicken broth if the mixture is too thick.
- Broil and serve: Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Smooth the top of the spaghetti mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Expert Tips:
- For the best texture, cook pasta to al dente as it will continue cooking in the skillet.
- Shredding your own block of cheddar cheese results in a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds significant flavor.
- Do not walk away from the oven while broiling; the cheese can burn in seconds. Variations:
- Spicy Cajun Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and cooked andouille sausage with the vegetables.
- Bacon Jalapeño: Sauté 1-2 diced jalapeños with the vegetables. Stir in crumbled cooked bacon before broiling.
- Taco Twist: Mix in a packet of taco seasoning with the other spices. Consider adding a cup of black beans or corn. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- For the best texture, cook pasta to al dente as it will continue cooking in the skillet.
- Shredding your own block of cheddar cheese results in a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds significant flavor.
- Do not walk away from the oven while broiling; the cheese can burn in seconds. Variations:
- Spicy Cajun Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and cooked andouille sausage with the vegetables.
- Bacon Jalapeño: Sauté 1-2 diced jalapeños with the vegetables. Stir in crumbled cooked bacon before broiling.
- Taco Twist: Mix in a packet of taco seasoning with the other spices. Consider adding a cup of black beans or corn. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
