Introduction
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a baking dish, this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the answer. It’s the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and spaghetti, all baked to golden perfection. What makes this dish a winner is that it’s not only filling and flavorful, but it’s also family-friendly, easy to make ahead, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Think of it as mac and cheese meeting chicken Alfredo, with a Tex-Mex twist of bold seasonings.
Ingredients (Shopping List)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole (serves 6–8 people):
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles (Barilla Spaghetti)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies)
- 2 cups chicken broth (Swanson Natural Goodness Chicken Broth)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (Kraft Sharp Cheddar Cheese)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh Garlic Bulbs)
- 1 tsp chili powder (McCormick Chili Powder)
- ½ tsp paprika (McCormick Paprika)
- Salt & black pepper to taste (McCormick Ground Black Pepper)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Before starting, make sure you have these tools handy:
- Large Stock Pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large Skillet (for sautéing veggies)
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Oven Mitts
- Wooden Spoon
Preparation Steps (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prep the Veggies: Dice onion, bell pepper, and mince garlic.
- Shred the Chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, pull the meat apart into small bite-sized shreds.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Get Ingredients Ready: Open canned soups and tomatoes, measure out cheese and seasonings.
Cooking/Baking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the soups, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add cooked spaghetti noodles and toss until everything is well coated.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Secret Tip: For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup sour cream before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
- Pair with a light green salad or garlic bread.
- For a Tex-Mex twist, serve with a side of tortilla chips.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Healthier Version: Use whole wheat spaghetti and low-fat cheese.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead and refrigerate (up to 24 hours) before baking.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 15–20 minutes to the time.
Q2: What can I substitute for cream soups?
Use a homemade white sauce (butter, flour, milk, chicken broth) instead of canned soups.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Swap regular pasta for whole grain or chickpea pasta, use low-sodium broth, and reduce cheese.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—a cheesy, creamy, satisfying Chicken Spaghetti Casserole that’s bound to become a family favorite. It’s hearty enough for a weeknight meal yet comforting enough for Sunday dinner. Fun fact: this casserole is a beloved Southern classic, often found at church potlucks and family reunions because it feeds a crowd and never fails to please.
So, grab your baking dish, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this comforting masterpiece straight from the oven.
