Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups (425g) shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10 oz / 285g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) onion powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) smoked paprika
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until nutty and slightly toasted.
- Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1.5 cups (170g) of the shredded cheddar until completely melted.
- In a large bowl or directly in a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the undercooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture, folding gently until every strand is coated.
- Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (55g) of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is golden-brown.