Craving comfort food while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle? This keto chicken spaghetti recipe offers a delicious and satisfying solution. This dish combines the familiar flavors of classic chicken spaghetti with low-carb alternatives, making it a perfect choice for a keto diet.
Why Keto Chicken Spaghetti?
Traditional chicken spaghetti is a beloved dish, often associated with warmth and nostalgia. However, its high carbohydrate content makes it unsuitable for those following a ketogenic diet. This keto-friendly version recreates the essence of chicken spaghetti using low-carb ingredients, allowing you to indulge in a comforting meal without compromising your dietary goals.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Noodles: The most significant change in this recipe is the substitution of traditional spaghetti with low-carb alternatives. Palmini noodles, made from hearts of palm, are a popular choice due to their texture. Zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash can also be used. If using zucchini noodles, pre-cook them and drain well to remove excess moisture.
- Chicken: Cooked chicken is the star protein of this dish. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option. You can also use cooked and diced or shredded chicken breast or thighs.
- Sauce: The creamy sauce is a crucial element of chicken spaghetti. This recipe typically uses a combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese to achieve a rich and cheesy flavor. Some variations include sour cream for added tanginess.
- RoTel Tomatoes and Chiles: RoTel is a key ingredient that adds a zesty kick to the dish. It consists of diced tomatoes and fire-roasted green chiles. If Ro*Tel is unavailable, you can replicate it by combining diced tomatoes with chopped green chiles.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a staple in chicken spaghetti, providing a sharp and savory flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Pepper Jack for a spicier profile or Parmesan for a nutty taste.
- Other Vegetables: Onion and garlic add aromatic depth to the sauce. Roasted vegetables can be added for extra nutrients and flavor.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about chicken spaghetti is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize this keto version to your liking:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Ro*Tel or add a pinch of chipotle in adobo for a spicier dish.
- Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheese blends to create unique flavor profiles.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrients and texture.
- Protein Options: While chicken is the traditional choice, you can also use diced ham, leftover pork roast, or even ground sausage.
- Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the casserole with crumbled bacon, pork rind crumbs, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
Cooking Methods
Stovetop Instructions
- Preheat broiler to high.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes longer.
- Stir in tomatoes, broth, and cream. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in xanthan gum and cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the parmesan cheese. Cook until melted, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in palmini noodles and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Cook under the broiler until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
Instant Pot Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to Saute High. Add the butter.
- When it is melted, add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes longer.
- Add the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits.
- Add the tomatoes, cream, and xanthan gum.
- Hit cancel.
- Set your instant pot to high pressure and set the time to 2 minutes.
- When the time is up, do an instant release and stir.
- Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Place the lid back on the pot until the cheese is melted. Stir.
- Stir in the palmini noodles (if using) and top with the remaining cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Low Carb Chicken Spaghetti with Ro*Tel
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sauté the zoodles (zucchini noodles) until they are just barely soft. This takes about 1 minute.
- Dice the cooked chicken and add to the zoodles.
- Melt the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar in the microwave.
- Stir the garlic, chipotle, chicken stock, sour cream, and Ro*Tel into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the zoodles and chicken.
- Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
- Top with more cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Keto chicken spaghetti is delicious served hot, straight from the oven or Instant Pot. It can be enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is especially beneficial when using palmini noodles, as it allows the flavors to meld together.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in the oven until heated through. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing due to the dairy content.
Common Questions
- Can I use other types of low-carb noodles? Yes, shirataki noodles or other low-carb pasta alternatives can be used.
- Can I make this recipe without Ro*Tel? Yes, you can substitute with diced tomatoes and chopped green chiles.
- Can I freeze this recipe? It is not recommended to freeze this recipe, as the dairy components may separate and alter the texture.
- How do I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming watery? Sauté the zucchini noodles before adding them to the casserole and drain off any excess liquid.
- What can I do with leftover Ro*Tel? Arroz con Pollo, Chicken Enchilada Skillet Dinner, Creamy Enchilada Chicken Breast, American Goulash, Taco Casserole, or Beef Pozole Verde.
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