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Chicken Spaghetti casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 144 reviews
  • Author: Alvarez
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This comforting Chicken Spaghetti casserole combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked spaghetti, creamy mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of spice for a hearty and flavorful dish. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping, it can be baked immediately or frozen for later use.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 2 cups cooked chicken
  • 2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot
  • 1 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt

Pasta

  • 3 cups spaghetti, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces

Vegetables and Flavorings

  • 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 (4-oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
  • 1/8 tsp to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy and Soup

  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided (2 cups mixed in, 1 cup for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Begin by cooking one cut-up fryer chicken until fully cooked. Remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop it to yield approximately 2 cups of cooked chicken meat.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: In the same pot you used for the chicken, use the reserved chicken broth to cook the broken spaghetti pieces. Boil the spaghetti until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti, 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, diced onion, drained pimentos, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture into a casserole pan. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil if desired and bake for 45 minutes until the dish is bubbly and heated through. If the cheese topping starts to brown too much before the casserole is fully heated, cover with foil to prevent burning.
  6. Serving and Storage: Serve immediately after baking for best flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can cover the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 6 months, then bake when ready to eat.

Notes

  • Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to maintain texture after baking.
  • Use the reserved chicken broth for cooking pasta to enhance flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your spice preference.
  • To prevent over-browning of cheese topping, cover with foil during baking if necessary.
  • This dish freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg