Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for a cozy family dinner. Packed with tender chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy mushroom sauce, this dish is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

A close-up of a baked noodle casserole in a rectangular white dish with red handles and white floral patterns on the sides. The casserole has a golden-yellow cheesy top layer with melted cheese, mixed with light brown shredded chicken pieces and small bits of green and red bell peppers scattered throughout. The bottom layer is a light cream color of noodles interwoven with chicken and vegetables, showing a dense and creamy texture. The dish sits on a pink cloth with white paisley patterns, placed on a white marbled surface, with colorful patterned bowls and glassware blurred softly in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken
  • 3 cups uncooked spaghetti, 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 and pick out the meat to make two cups.
  2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti in the reserved chicken broth until al dente, being careful not to overcook. Once cooked, combine the spaghetti with the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, diced pimentos, Lawry’s seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Step 3: Place the mixture in a casserole pan and top with the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
  4. Step 4: Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly. If the cheese on top starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, sauté the diced green pepper and onion before adding them to the mixture.
  • Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic for a savory boost.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing taste.

Storage

This casserole can be covered and refrigerated for up to two days before baking. It also freezes well for up to six months—wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, about 45 minutes if frozen, or less if thawed.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish with a red floral pattern on the outside holds a baked noodle casserole. The casserole has one visible layer of creamy, cheesy noodles mixed with chunks of chicken and small bits of green peppers and red spices, creating a textured surface with shades of pale yellow, light brown, and hints of green and red. The noodles are lightly browned on top, giving a slightly crispy appearance. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded red patterned cloth underneath. In the background, there are stacked white bowls with colorful floral and dotted designs and a vase with a red flower, adding a warm and cozy feel to the scene. 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, feel free to substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain the right texture.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking, or freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to bake thoroughly before serving.

Print

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This comforting Chicken Spaghetti casserole combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy mushroom soup, and sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. With a hint of seasoned salt and cayenne pepper, it delivers a subtle kick balanced by creamy, cheesy goodness.

  • Author: mia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Pasta

  • 3 cups uncooked spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 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 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
  • 1/8 to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided (2 cups mixed in, 1 cup for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook one whole fryer chicken, then remove and shred the meat to yield about 2 cups of cooked chicken. Reserve the cooking broth for later use.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Use the reserved chicken broth to cook the broken spaghetti pieces until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, two cans of cream of mushroom soup, diced green pepper, diced onion, drained diced pimentos, 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Then add 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese and stir until well blended.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a casserole pan. Evenly spread the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole and bake for 45 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly. If the cheese begins to brown too much, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  6. Storage Options: You can freeze the casserole, covered, for up to six months, or refrigerate it, covered, for up to two days before baking. Bake immediately if preferred for fresh serving.

Notes

  • Use the chicken broth from cooking the chicken to add extra flavor to the spaghetti and casserole mixture.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Cover with foil midway during baking if the cheese topping is browning too quickly.
  • This casserole freezes well and can be stored for up to six months, making it great for meal prep.

Keywords: chicken spaghetti casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, comfort food, baked pasta, chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe

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