Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

from realsimple.com
Dinner
40 min
8 servings

Serve this chicken spaghetti casserole with garlic bread or a simple side salad, and a glass of crisp white wine for the adults.

Ingredients

  • 1 poundspaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons(½ stick) salted butter
  • ¼ cupall-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cupswhole milk
  • 12 ouncesasiago cheese, shredded (about 4½ cups)
  • 1 teaspoonkosher salt
  • 3 cupsshredded rotisserie chicken (10 oz.)
  • 3 tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
  • 3 tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for serving
  • 3 tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh chives, plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoonfresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Directions

  1. 1

    Place oven rack in middle position. Preheat broiler to LOW. Lightly coat a 9-x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. 2

    Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until bubbling, about 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Increase heat to medium; slowly whisk in milk. Cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until sauce thickens, 5 to 6 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add cheese and salt and cook, whisking constantly, until smooth, about 2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Remove mixture from heat. Stir in chicken, basil, parsley, chives, lemon juice, and cooked pasta. Stir in reserved cooking water as needed to create a creamy sauce.

  7. 7

    Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Transfer to oven and broil until warmed through, about 4 minutes.

  8. 8

    Garnish with additional basil, parsley, and chives. Serve immediately.