Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor, this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a family favorite you’ll want to add to your weekly dinner rotation. Tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, velvety sauce all baked together until golden and bubbly—this dish is the definition of cozy comfort food. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy satisfying leftovers throughout the week.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly – A kid-approved, crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will enjoy.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Creamy & Cheesy – Loaded with melty cheese and a luscious sauce.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked works great)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
• ½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil (for baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water or chicken broth.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Stir in sautéed vegetables, chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), and both shredded cheeses. Mix until creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce mixture.
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread evenly and top with ½ cup cheddar cheese and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Use Rotisserie Chicken – It saves time and adds great flavor.
Undercook Pasta Slightly – It will finish cooking in the oven without getting mushy.
Mix Cheese Varieties – A combo of cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect melt and flavor.
Add Spice – Toss in red pepper flakes or diced green chilies for a kick.
Make It Veggie – Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and vinaigrette.
Serve alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls.
Add steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced plate.
Top with crushed buttery crackers for a crunchy twist.

How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta?
   Yes! Penne, rotini, or egg noodles work well too.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours.
3. What can I use instead of canned soup?
   Make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, broth, and milk if preferred.
4. Is it freezer-friendly?
   Yes, freeze either before or after baking. Wrap well and label for easy meal prep.
5. Can I make it spicy?
   Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to give it a spicy twist.

Final Thoughts
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or to stash away in the freezer, it’s a guaranteed hit that delivers big flavor in every bite.
Give it a try and don’t forget to share your casserole success with us—we’d love to see your kitchen creations.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 650mg

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