Chicken Spaghetti casserole Recipe

I absolutely love this Chicken Spaghetti casserole recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings the whole family together. There’s something so satisfying about tender chicken combined with cheesy, creamy spaghetti baked to bubbly perfection. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend get-together, this dish hits the spot every single time.

When I first tried this Chicken Spaghetti casserole recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients like canned soup and leftover chicken could blend into something so flavorful and hearty. Plus, it’s a great way to make a crowd-pleaser without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that making this casserole becomes your go-to when you need something warm, cozy, and effortless.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with every bite. I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for that rich flavor, and cooking your spaghetti just right to avoid mushiness.

• Cooked chicken: Using leftover roasted or boiled chicken works great—just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Spaghetti (uncooked): Break into about 2-inch pieces; cooking them in chicken broth adds extra flavor.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This adds creamy texture and earthy flavor that ties everything together.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar offers a bold taste that melts perfectly over the casserole.
• Green pepper (finely diced): Adds a mild crunch and fresh note to the dish.
• Onion (finely diced): Gives a subtle sweetness; sautéing before mixing is optional but recommended for mellow flavor.
• Diced pimentos (drained): These bring little bursts of color and mild pepper flavor.
• Reserved chicken broth: Use the broth from cooking the chicken to cook spaghetti and build depth of flavor.
• Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: This seasoning mix enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle kick; adjust amounts based on your spice preference.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing out and brightening the flavors.

Variations

I love how flexible this Chicken Spaghetti casserole recipe is—you can tweak it to your taste or dietary needs without losing that classic charm. Experimenting with small changes keeps it fresh and exciting every time you make it.

• Use different cheeses: I sometimes swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or a mix of cheeses for a creamier texture and new flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Toss in mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even spinach to sneak in some extra nutrients and color.
• Make it spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like things with a bit of heat.
• Gluten-free: Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to make the casserole suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and keeps the dish tender.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Prepare Your Chicken

Start by cooking one whole fryer chicken, then carefully pick the meat off the bones until you have about two cups. This part is key—make sure the chicken pieces are bite-sized but not too small, so they stand out in the casserole instead of getting lost. If you’re in a hurry, using leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird saves tons of time and still tastes fantastic.

Step 2: Cook Spaghetti in Chicken Broth

Cook the broken spaghetti pieces directly in the reserved chicken broth until they’re just al dente. I always watch closely as pasta can go from perfect to mushy quickly. This method infuses the noodles with flavor, making every bite tasty. Drain any excess broth—if there’s a lot left—before mixing with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Mix All Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of mushroom soup, diced green pepper, onion, pimentos, and 3 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Add Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently so the cheese doesn’t get stringy before baking but is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into your casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cup of sharp cheddar cheese on top. Cover with foil if you want to cook later or freeze. When ready, bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. If the cheese browns too quickly, simply cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning. Watching for bubbling edges is a helpful sign it’s ready.

How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like garnishing this casserole with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast to the creamy richness. A light sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar can also work if you want that cheesy glow right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Spaghetti casserole shines when paired with a crisp green salad or garlic roasted vegetables. Sometimes I add a side of buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up all the creamy goodness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins, topped with a swirl of sour cream and extra diced pimentos for a festive touch. It also works well as a layered bake in a deep dish, with extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to two days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream! I cover it well with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to six months, which is perfect for meal prep or busy weeks. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the casserole covered at 350°F until warm throughout, about 25-30 minutes. If you want the top crispier, remove the cover during the last 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix, but the oven method maintains the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Spaghetti casserole recipe truly feels like a family secret everyone should know about. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavors that make you feel right at home. I love sharing this with friends because it always brings smiles and full bellies, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it. So, grab that chicken and cheese and get ready for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Print