Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy mushroom sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with shredded chicken and melted yellow cheese. The pasta is mixed with small pieces of green and red vegetables, creating a blend of creamy yellow and light brown colors. The baking dish is white with red sides and a white floral pattern, set on a red cloth napkin with a paisley design, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. In the background, there are stacked white bowls with colorful floral and dotted patterns and a red flower in a clear glass vase, with a clear glass cup nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken
  • 3 cups spaghetti, uncooked and broken into two-inch pieces
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimentos, drained
  • 2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot
  • 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook one cut-up fryer chicken in water and remove the meat, measuring out 2 cups of cooked chicken.
  2. Step 2: Cook the broken spaghetti pieces in the reserved chicken broth until al dente, being careful not to overcook.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, diced pimentos, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a casserole pan and top evenly with the remaining 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese.
  5. Step 5: Cover and bake immediately at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly. If the cheese topping begins to brown too much, cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk or cream before baking.
  • Substitute cream of chicken soup if you prefer a different flavor base.
  • Add finely chopped mushrooms or celery for extra texture and taste.
  • Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper gradually to suit your taste.

Storage

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to two days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole covered for up to six months; when ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if still partially frozen.

How to Serve

This image shows a baked casserole in a red rectangular dish with white floral patterns on the sides. The top layer is a mix of melted cheese, shredded chicken, and small pieces of green peppers and red tomatoes, creating a textured, creamy yellow and light tan surface. The casserole appears to be dense, with visible noodles mixed throughout. Underneath the casserole dish is a red patterned cloth, and in the background, there are stacked white bowls with colorful floral designs and a glass with a clear drink. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, giving it a bright and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use other noodles like rotini or penne. Adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain an al dente texture.

Do I need to cook the chicken broth separately?

In this recipe, the broth comes from cooking the chicken, so you save flavor by using that same broth to cook the pasta. If you don’t have homemade broth, store-bought chicken broth works fine as a substitute.

Print
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Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

Description

A comforting and creamy Chicken Spaghetti casserole featuring tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful blend of mushroom soup and seasonings. This versatile dish can be baked immediately or prepared ahead for freezing or refrigeration.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 3 cups uncooked spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimentos, drained
  • 2 cups reserved chicken broth from cooking the chicken
  • 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook and Prepare Chicken: Cook one cut-up fryer chicken in water until fully cooked, then pick out the meat to measure 2 cups. Reserve the chicken broth for later use.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Using the reserved chicken broth, cook the broken spaghetti pieces until al dente, ensuring not to overcook. Drain if necessary but keep the broth absorbed.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cooked chicken, 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, diced onion, drained pimentos, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a casserole pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake or Store: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes until bubbly. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil. Alternatively, cover and freeze for up to six months or refrigerate for up to two days before baking.

Notes

  • Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to avoid a mushy casserole.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to taste depending on preferred spice level.
  • This dish can be prepared in advance and stored frozen or refrigerated, making it ideal for meal prepping.
  • Cover with foil during baking if cheese browns too fast.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Spaghetti, Comfort Food, Casserole, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Cheesy Chicken Bake

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