Creamy Chicken and Spaghetti Bake - Recipe.com

By gvcathy

Make-ahead casseroles are great for family weeknight meals. Make this cheesy chicken and pasta combo one night and bake it the next.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces spaghetti
• 12 ounces ground raw chicken
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon margarine or butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup shredded sharp American cheese (3 ounces)
• 1/4 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
• 1 tablespoon snipped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped pimiento
• 2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon margarine or butter, melted

Preparation

Step 1

1. Break spaghetti in half. Cook spaghetti according to package directions just until tender. Drain; transfer spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook chicken, mushrooms, onion, and garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add chicken mixture to spaghetti.

3. For sauce, in a small saucepan melt 1 tablespoon margarine or butter. Stir in flour and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Add American cheese, stirring until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in olives, parsley, and pimiento.

4. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 2-quart square baking dish or casserole. In a small mixing bowl toss together bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon melted margarine or butter. Sprinkle over chicken mixture.

5. Cover and bake in a 375 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes more or until heated through. Makes 4 servings.