Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together creamy textures and rich flavors, this Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender spaghetti mingling with succulent shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, and a vibrant blend of spices, all crowned with a melty, golden blanket of cheddar cheese. This dish isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about wrapping yourself in cozy deliciousness that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your casserole. Each one plays a unique role from the comforting creaminess to that irresistible cheesy crust on top.
- 8-12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked: The hearty base that carries all the flavors and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Adds protein and a mild, tender bite that complements every other ingredient.
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup: Brings rich creaminess and umami depth to the casserole.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and adds extra flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream: Provides a tangy creaminess that balances the heaviness of the cheese and soup.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty dimension that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced: Adds a pop of color, subtle sweetness, and a bit of crunch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers that comforting warmth and aroma everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasons perfectly to bring the whole casserole together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star that creates an irresistible golden, bubbly topping to the casserole.
How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray – no sticking, no fuss. While the oven warms, cook your spaghetti in a large pot of lightly salted water according to the package directions. Aim for al dente unless you prefer it a bit softer since the noodles will continue cooking in the casserole. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti but resist the urge to rinse it; that starch clings to the noodles and helps the sauce stick.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and finely diced bell pepper. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well until the sauce is smooth and the chicken and veggies are evenly coated. This mixture is the creamy foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Add Pasta
Gently fold the cooked spaghetti noodles into the chicken and creamy sauce mixture. Take your time here to make sure the noodles are evenly coated without breaking them up too much. This step ensures every forkful will have that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your beautiful, creamy spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create that signature cheesy crust. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, your masterpiece is ready. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow all those flavors to set perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this cheesy delight even further. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a fresh, herbal brightness. A light dusting of extra parmesan adds an elegant touch that brings out the cheesy flavors. If you love a little heat, a few red pepper flakes scattered on top offer a subtle spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides adds a lovely balance. A mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness wonderfully. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans bring added texture and color that complement the casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or special occasion, consider serving the Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe family-style in its baking dish for a cozy, inviting vibe. Alternatively, scoop individual portions into small ramekins for an elegant single-serve presentation. You could also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for extra crunch that surprises your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, it’s great to know the Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe stores beautifully. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully if you want to save some for later. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. To freeze, you can either bake it fully first and then freeze, or freeze it uncooked and bake from frozen (just add extra baking time).
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, then remove the foil in the last few minutes to refresh the cheesy top. Microwave reheating is an option too, but oven reheating preserves that delightful crispy cheese crust best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to substitute with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup?
The cream of mushroom soup adds a rich, creamy texture and deep umami flavor, but you can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce as alternatives for a slightly different taste.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
To lighten it up, use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and consider adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the sour cream and cheeses for dairy-free versions, and use a dairy-free creamy soup alternative. It won’t be quite the same but still deliciously comforting.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for bubbly sauce around the edges and a golden brown, melted cheese crust on top—that’s your sign to pull it out and let it cool briefly before serving.
Final Thoughts
When you want a dish that’s both hearty and heartwarming, this Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe delivers in every way. It’s a simple yet satisfying blend of textures and flavors that comes together with ease and feels like a special occasion at the dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a true family favorite.
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Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked pasta dish combining tender cooked spaghetti with shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, savory seasonings, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it blends creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors into an easy-to-prepare casserole.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8–12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
Main Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Add the uncooked spaghetti noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente or your preferred softness. Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse it to preserve starches that help bind the casserole.
- Mix Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, parmesan cheese, finely diced bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly blended.
- Add Pasta to Mixture: Gently fold the cooked spaghetti noodles into the chicken mixture until the noodles are evenly coated and distributed throughout the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after cooking; this helps the sauce cling better.
- Adjust the amount of shredded cheddar cheese based on your preference for cheesiness.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor.
- Adding diced bell peppers adds a nice crunchy texture and color, but they can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables like mushrooms or onions.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
