2cans10.5 oz each condensed cream of mushroom soup
2cupschicken brothlow sodium is best
1/2cupsour cream
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
1/2teaspoondried thyme
1/2teaspoonsaltplus more for pasta water
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
2cupssharp cheddar cheeseshredded
1/4cupfresh parsleychopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to $350^circ F$ ($175^circ C$). Grease a large 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Shred your chicken and set it aside in a large bowl.
Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and add plenty of salt. Bring to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain the noodles and keep them warm for the next step.
Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a separate large bowl, combine the mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Use a whisk to ensure the mixture is smooth. This forms the base of your rich sauce.
Season the Mixture
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the liquid. Stir well so the spices are evenly distributed. Smell the herbs; they add a wonderful earthy aroma.
Combine Chicken and Pasta
Add the shredded chicken and the cooked spaghetti into the large bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together gently. Ensure every strand of pasta is covered in the creamy soup mixture.
Transfer to Dish
Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon. It should look moist and ready for the final cheesy touch.
Add the Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the pasta. Make sure to cover the edges. The cheese will melt into a beautiful golden crust in the oven.
Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the sauce should bubble. If you like it crispy, broil for two minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven carefully. Let it sit for five minutes to allow the sauce to set. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve it while it is hot.
Notes
Use Rotisserie Chicken: This is the best shortcut for busy nights. The meat is already seasoned and very tender.
Veggie Boost: Add a cup of steamed peas or sautéed mushrooms to the mix. It adds color and extra nutrients.
Spice it Up: Add a small can of diced green chiles for a Tex-Mex twist. This gives it a little kick without being too hot.
Cheese Choice: You can swap cheddar for Mexican blend or Gruyère. Different cheeses will change the flavor profile slightly.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle some crushed butter crackers on top before baking. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft pasta.