Cheesy Baked Chicken Spaghetti

A hearty and comforting baked spaghetti dish with juicy chicken, a flavourful tomato sauce, vegetables, and a delicious cheesy topping. Perfect for family meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 500 g chicken breast, cut into small cubes

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• Chilli powder, to taste

• Pepper powder, to taste

• Salt, to taste

For the Sauce

• 500 g tomatoes

• 60 g celery, finely chopped

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 2 green chillies, finely chopped

• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large green capsicum, finely chopped

• 1½ tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 tsp mixed herbs

• Chilli powder, to taste

• Pepper powder, to taste

• Salt, to taste

For the Pasta

• 250 g spaghetti

• Water, as required

• 1 tsp oil

• Salt, to taste

For the Topping

• 1 cup processed cheese, grated

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Peel the tomatoes.

2. Finely chop 2 of the tomatoes.

3. Puree the remaining tomatoes and keep aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, ginger-garlic paste, chilli powder, pepper powder, and salt.

2. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a little oil in a pan.

2. Shallow-fry the chicken until cooked through and lightly golden.

3. Remove and keep aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the butter and oil in a large pan over low heat.

2. Add the celery, onions, and green chillies.

3. Sauté until the onions become translucent.

4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

6. Pour in the tomato puree and a little water.

7. Add the mixed herbs, chilli powder, pepper powder, and salt according to taste.

8. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.

9. Add the cooked chicken and mix well.

10. Stir gently on low heat for a few minutes.

11. Add the chopped capsicum and cook for 1 minute.

12. Switch off the heat.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Add the oil and salt.

3. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the packet instructions, approximately 10–12 minutes, until al dente.

4. Drain well.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken and tomato sauce.

2. Toss well until the spaghetti is evenly coated.

3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping

1. Combine the processed cheese and mozzarella cheese.

2. Sprinkle generously over the spaghetti mixture.

Step 8: Bake or Microwave

Oven Method

• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Microwave Method

• Microwave for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a delicious and satisfying family meal.