Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in creating this comforting dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut)
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
If you’re looking to add your own twist, consider substituting the chicken with turkey or adding a sprinkle of nutmeg to the sauce for a hint of warmth.
Instructions
Let’s bring this comforting dish to life with these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and golden, around 7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until the flour is absorbed.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and cream, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
Cooking with my daughters, Olivia and Isabella, is always a joy, and they love helping me sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. It reminds me of the days I spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, feeling the same sense of pride and accomplishment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International