2-poundspaghetti: Providing a hearty and classic basethe spaghetti becomes a foundation for the dish, offering a satisfying and substantial texture to complement the other ingredients.
1cupdiced white onion: Infusing a sweet and aromatic flavorthe diced white onion adds a subtle and balanced sweetness, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
1cupstore-bought chicken broth or Homemade Chicken Broth: Acting as the flavorful liquid basethe chicken broth infuses the dish with a rich and savory undertone, adding depth and complexity.
2tablespoonsgarlicminced: Infusing a savory and aromatic depth, the minced garlic adds a bold flavor base, elevating the overall complexity of the dish.
Vegetable Oil Spray: Used for coating and preventing stickingthe vegetable oil spray ensures a smooth release and easy handling of the dish.
Salt: Serving as the essential seasoningkosher salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, contributing to a well-balanced and savory taste in the dish.
2cupstrimmed and sliced baby bella mushrooms: Introducing an earthy and umami-rich elementthe sliced baby bella mushrooms add depth and texture to the dish.
1cupwhole milk: Adding a mild and creamy consistencymilk contributes to the velvety texture of the sauce, creating a harmonious and balanced flavor profile.
4cupsshredded meat from store-bought rotisserie chicken: Providing a hearty protein componentthe shredded chicken adds substance and a savory flavor, contributing to the overall satisfaction of the dish.
Two 8-ounce blocks cream cheesecut into pieces: Creating a rich and creamy texture, the cream cheese contributes velvety smoothness to the sauce, enhancing the overall indulgence of the dish.
8tablespoonsbutterunsalted: Adding a luxurious and rich flavor, the unsalted butter contributes a velvety finish to the sauce, elevating the dish with its luscious and indulgent qualities.
4cupsgrated white Cheddar cheese: Creating a rich and cheesy saucethe grated white Cheddar cheese adds a sharp and tangy flavor, contributing to the velvety and indulgent consistency of the dish.
4ouncesprocessed cheesesuch as Velveeta, cut into 1-inch pieces: Providing a smooth and melt-in-your-mouth quality, processed cheese adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall gooeyness of the dish.
2finely chopped red bell peppers: Offering a sweet and vibrant note, the finely chopped red bell peppers contribute both color and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
2yellow bell peppersfinely chopped: Providing a mellow and slightly fruity flavor, the finely chopped yellow bell peppers add a vibrant and balanced taste to the overall composition.
4tablespoonsminced fresh parsleyfor garnish: Offering a fresh and herbaceous finish, minced fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of brightness, enhancing the visual appeal and overall freshness of the dish.
2cupscreamy heavy cream: Enhancing the creaminess of the sauceheavy cream adds a luxurious and velvety texture, contributing to the overall richness of the dish.
2teaspoonsfreshly ground black pepper: Offering a mild heat and subtle warmthfreshly ground black pepper complements the creamy and savory elements, adding a touch of spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with vegetable oil.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
In a deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until tender (about 8 minutes).
Add mushrooms and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
In the same skillet, stir in cream, milk, broth, cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar, Velveeta, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), and pepper. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Add cooked spaghetti and chicken to the sauce mixture and toss to coat.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and top with remaining 1 cup cheddar.
Cover tightly with oiled foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake until lightly browned (10-15 minutes). Alternatively, broil on high for a golden finish (watch to prevent burning).
Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can use any type of cheese you like for this recipe.
You can use any type of spaghetti for this recipe.
You can use fresh or canned mushrooms for this recipe.
You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or spinach, to this recipe.