Chicken Spaghetti

Ah, Happy New Year!  Although many of you are probably starting to eat healthier than you were over the holidays, I've found that living with two men (my hubby and now "adult" son) they really aren't into reducing what they eat.  So, today I give you Chicken Spaghetti with some suggestions for reducing calories and saving time (and maybe some money).  Enjoy!

My mother had a recipe for chicken spaghetti that was similar to the one I recently read in "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" by Ree Drummond.

Here is how I made mine today:

1 Deli Roasted Chicken (it was already cooked, and on sale...less than an uncooked fryer chicken)
16 oz. thin spaghetti
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 oz. pimentos, undrained (or 1/2 of a red bell pepper, diced)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (I used one "healthy" can, and one regular can)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (you choose, full fat or reduced fat)
1 tsp. seasoning salt (like Lawry's brand)
black pepper to taste
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 boullion cubes, chicken flavored

1.  Start some water in a large pot to boil to cook the thin spaghetti noodles.  Add the boullion cubes to the water.  Break uncooked noodles into thirds over boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes.  When noodles are done cooking, save 2 cups of the cooking water and set aside.  Drain the spaghetti in a collandar and set aside.

2.  While noodles are cooking, if you haven't already...dice the onion and bell pepper.  Remove all of the chicken meat from the deli chicken and chop in bite sized pieces.

3.  In a large casserole dish (mine was about 3 quarts) spray with non-stick cooking spray (optional).  Add the cooked spaghetti noodles and 2 cans of soup.  Mix together and then add the remaining ingredients, including the 2 cups of reserved cooking water.

4.  Cook uncovered in a 350* oven for 45 minutes, or refrigerate to cook later (tomorrow maybe).  If refrigerating for cooking later, add about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

We are having ours with a tossed green salad and probably some garlic bread.  I think the "men" will be happy.

Here's my casserole ready to go in the oven.  If you like yours more on the cheesy side, add more cheese to the top before baking.