Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Spaghetti Bake (with make ahead instructions)

CREAMY CHICKEN AND SPAGHETTI BAKE

6 ounces spaghetti
FOR THE CHICKEN:
12 ounces ground raw chicken
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cooking oil
FOR THE SAUCE:
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup shredded sharp American cheese
1/4 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1 tablespoon snipped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped pimiento
FOR THE TOPPING:
2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart square baking dish or casserole.

Break spaghetti in half. Cook spaghetti according to package directions just until tender. Drain; transfer spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.

TO PREPARE THE CHICKEN:
Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook chicken, mushrooms, onion, and garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Add chicken mixture to spaghetti.

TO MAKE THE SAUCE:
In a small saucepan melt 1 tablespoon butter or margarine. Stir in flour and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Add American cheese, stirring until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in olives, parsley, and pimiento.

Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish or casserole.

TO MAKE THE TOPPING:
In a small mixing bowl toss together bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon melted butter or margarine. Sprinkle over chicken mixture.

Cover and bake in a 375 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes more or until heated through.

TO MAKE-AHEAD:
Prepare casserole; cover and chill up to 24 hours. Prepare crumb mixture and chill separately. To serve, sprinkle crumb mixture over chicken mixture. Bake casserole, covered, in a 375 degree F oven for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes more or until heated through.

Servings: 4
Source: Better Homes and Gardens