Chicken Spaghetti is a family favorite that combines tender chicken, savory cream of mushroom soup, and cheesy goodness in a comforting casserole. This dish is perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or even preparing a dish to freeze for later. The hearty combination of ingredients, like chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and a touch of cayenne pepper, gives this casserole a balanced, flavorful kick. This recipe is easy to customize and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal go-to for a filling, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken: You can use leftover chicken or cook a fryer to get the 2 cups of meat needed for the recipe. The chicken adds both protein and flavor to the casserole.
- 3 cups dry spaghetti: Spaghetti is broken into two-inch pieces to make it more manageable and to allow it to evenly cook in the casserole.
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup: The creamy soup creates a rich, smooth base for the casserole, binding all the ingredients together while adding flavor.
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy mushroom soup and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper: The green pepper adds a touch of freshness and color to the casserole.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Onions bring an aromatic, savory base to the dish and complement the other ingredients.
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained: Pimentos give a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a pop of color to the casserole.
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot: The chicken broth provides a flavorful base for cooking the spaghetti and adds moisture to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: This seasoning enhances the flavor with a balanced blend of salt, herbs, and spices.
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the casserole, but adjust the amount to your preference.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: These seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavors in the dish.
Topping:
- 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese: This extra cheese is used to top the casserole, creating a bubbly, golden crust once baked.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken: If you don’t have leftover chicken, you can cook a fryer chicken. Cut up the fryer and cook it in water until the meat is fully cooked and tender. Once done, remove the meat from the bones, discarding any skin, and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Measure out 2 cups of the cooked chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- Cook the Spaghetti in Chicken Broth: In the same pot you used to cook the chicken, bring the reserved chicken broth to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti (broken into two-inch pieces) and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Avoid overcooking the spaghetti as it will continue to cook once combined with the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti, reserving the broth for later use.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- Combine the Spaghetti with Other Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese (reserve 1 cup for topping), diced green pepper, diced onion, pimentos, and 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth. Stir everything together until it is well combined. Season with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole
- Place in Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, creating a cheesy layer that will melt and form a golden, bubbly crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the Chicken Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent the cheese from overcooking. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden. If the cheese begins to brown too much before the casserole is fully heated, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The dish can be served as a standalone meal or alongside a fresh salad or some garlic bread.
Tips and Variations
Variations in Cheese:
- For a different flavor profile, try using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The mozzarella will add a stretchier, gooey texture, while the cheddar keeps the flavor sharp and tangy.
Vegetables:
- You can customize the vegetables in this dish. If you want to add more vegetables, consider adding peas, mushrooms, or even spinach to the casserole. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure all vegetables are cooked through.
Make It Spicy:
- If you enjoy spicy food, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño to the mixture for an extra kick. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the top just before serving.
Healthier Substitutes:
- To make this dish a bit lighter, you can use a lower-fat version of cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Freezing:
- This chicken spaghetti casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and freeze it before baking. To do so, prepare the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions for easy, single-serving meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Then, just bake it when you’re ready to serve. It can also be frozen for up to six months.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to make the dish hearty and satisfying.
Conclusion
Chicken Spaghetti is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make, flavorful, and versatile. This dish combines creamy mushroom soup, tender chicken, and pasta, all topped with a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese. Whether you make it fresh for dinner or prepare it ahead of time for future meals, this casserole will become a family favorite. With its rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying texture, Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy!