How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Dive into the heartwarming embrace of Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, a dish that combines the comforting familiarity of pasta with the hearty richness of chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish, perfect for gathering the family around the dinner table on a chilly evening or sharing at potluck gatherings. Its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a go-to recipe for those nights when you crave something satisfying yet simple to prepare. Let’s create a casserole that’s bound to become a cherished comfort food staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:
- Hearty and Satisfying: Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or family with its generous portions.
- Comforting Flavors: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese offer classic comfort food appeal.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Ideal for preparing in advance, making weekday dinners a breeze.
Ingredients Notes For Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast provides a lean protein base. Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- Spaghetti: Thin spaghetti or your choice of pasta forms the hearty foundation of the casserole.
- Cream Soup: A mixture of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup creates a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses adds a gooey, melty layer.
- Vegetables: Sautéed onions and bell peppers add a subtle sweetness and crunch.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, cream soups, half of the shredded cheese, and seasonings.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the unbaked casserole wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 can 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 can 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Add Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
