Chicken Spaghetti

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that binds it all together, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering with friends. The combination of sautéed vegetables and creamy soups adds a depth of flavor, while the golden, bubbly cheese topping gives it an irresistible finish.

Not only is this casserole easy to whip up, but it’s also versatile. You can add different vegetables like broccoli or peas, or even swap the chicken for turkey if you prefer. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this classic dish!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Combine the Sauces: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
4. Add Chicken and Sour Cream: Stir in the shredded chicken and sour cream, letting everything combine and heat through.
5. Mix with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until fully coated.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and cover the skillet. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and everything is hot.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Recipe Highlights

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a wonderful dish that marries creamy textures and savory flavors in a way that feels both comforting and indulgent. With a blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich cheese sauce, this dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. What’s even better is that you can easily customize it with different vegetables or substitute the chicken with turkey or beef.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

• Adding More Veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding chopped broccoli, frozen peas, or even diced zucchini to the mix. This will enhance the nutritional value and add more texture to the casserole.
• Making It Spicy: For those who love a little heat, add in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
• Healthier Options: Swap the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups for low-fat or reduced-sodium versions. You can also use whole wheat pasta instead of traditional spaghetti for added fiber.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with a crisp side salad and a slice of warm garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, you can serve it with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy soups creates a rich and comforting flavor profile, while the shredded cheddar adds just the right amount of cheesy goodness. By baking everything together, you allow the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a bubbly, golden topping that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, cheesy casserole, and this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is no exception. It’s a beloved recipe that combines the ease of pantry staples like canned soups with the freshness of sautéed vegetables and tender chicken. The result is a dish that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also satisfying and filling. The melty, bubbly cheddar cheese on top is the ultimate finishing touch, making it a go-to comfort meal that everyone in the family will love.

Key Ingredients That Make the Difference

1. Cream of Chicken & Mushroom Soup: These canned soups form the creamy base of the casserole, adding richness and depth of flavor without the need for making a roux or béchamel sauce from scratch.
2. Shredded Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breast, or even canned chicken in a pinch. The flexibility makes this recipe great for using up leftovers.
3. Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar complements the creamy sauce and adds a delicious contrast in texture when melted.
4. Spaghetti Pasta: Cooking the spaghetti to al dente ensures it will hold up during baking without becoming mushy, providing the perfect base for this casserole.
5. Seasonings: Simple spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika enhance the flavor of the casserole without overpowering the other ingredients.

How to Make This Recipe Your Own

• Alternative Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken or want to switch things up, try using ground turkey or even Italian sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and adding more veggies.
• Cheese Variations: Instead of cheddar, consider using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra burst of flavor.
• Creamier Consistency: If you prefer a silkier, richer sauce, add 1/2 cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the soup mixture before combining it with the other ingredients.

How to Serve and Store

After baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into neat portions. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Additional Recipe Ideas and Pairings

This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a meal on its own, but you can elevate your dinner spread with a few complementary side dishes:

1. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of homemade garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce from the casserole.
2. Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a medley of root vegetables make for a colorful and nutritious side dish.

Popular Variations

• Tex-Mex Chicken Spaghetti: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and top with sliced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cilantro for a spicy twist.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti: Mix in 1/4 cup of ranch dressing to the sauce and top with crumbled cooked bacon before baking. The ranch adds an herby, creamy flavor, while the bacon provides a salty, crunchy topping.