Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: 5-Star Family Recipe
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole/magicinkitchen.com
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. A family-friendly baked pasta dish that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Table of Contents
Introduction
When you’re craving a hearty, family-style dinner, nothing hits the spot quite like a Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked pasta topped with gooey cheese. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone around the table for seconds. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great make-ahead meal that can be frozen and baked whenever you need a stress-free dinner option.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in sautéed vegetables and shredded chicken.
- Mix with pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Reheat: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Why This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Is Perfect for Weeknights
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can have a hearty, comforting meal ready in under an hour. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti ensures every bite is satisfying and full of flavor. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken, making it both practical and delicious.
Tips for Making the Best Casserole Every Time
For a perfectly creamy casserole, don’t overcook the spaghetti before mixing it with the sauce; al dente pasta holds up better in the oven. Use freshly shredded chicken for the best texture, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a twist. Covering the casserole while baking keeps it moist, while adding cheese at the end ensures a golden, melty topping that everyone will love.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other pasta instead of spaghetti?
A: Yes! Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well. Just make sure to cook until al dente before baking.
Q: Can I make this casserole spicy?
A: Absolutely. Use spicy diced tomatoes with chilies, add jalapeños, or mix in cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
Q: What type of chicken works best?
A: Any cooked chicken works—rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or poached chicken breast.
Q: Can I make it without canned soup?
A: Yes. Substitute with homemade white sauce (a simple roux with milk and broth) if you prefer a fresher version.
Conclusion
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner—easy to prepare, creamy, and satisfying. It’s a dish the whole family will love, and it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins. Whether you make it ahead, freeze it for later, or enjoy it fresh out of the oven, this casserole is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
👉 Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s a comfort food classic!
