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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
