Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

 

🍲 Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

A hearty, cheesy, and flavorful classic that brings comfort to your table

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Introduction to Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (Approx. 350 words)

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved Southern-style comfort food that combines tender shredded chicken, spaghetti pasta, creamy sauce, and lots of gooey cheese. This one-dish meal has become a staple in many households for its simplicity, deliciousness, and ability to feed a crowd. The casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or entertaining guests.

What makes Chicken Spaghetti Casserole so special is its creamy texture and the blend of cheeses that melt into the sauce, coating every strand of pasta and tender bite of chicken. It’s an all-in-one dish that marries protein, carbs, and dairy in a way that’s utterly satisfying and comforting.

Traditionally, the dish uses cooked, shredded chicken — often leftover rotisserie or baked chicken — combined with cooked spaghetti and a sauce made from cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, combined with milk or cream. The sauce binds everything together, and the casserole is topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.

This recipe will guide you through making a homemade version with options to adjust flavors, add vegetables, or make it spicier. We’ll cover detailed steps for preparing the chicken, pasta, sauce, assembly, baking, and serving. Plus, tips for storage and reheating so you can enjoy this casserole again and again.

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Ingredients (Approx. 300 words)

Protein & Pasta:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie, baked, or poached chicken breasts/thighs)

• 8 ounces spaghetti (about half a standard box)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for mild smokiness)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn

• ½ cup chopped green onions or chives

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Equipment Needed (Approx. 50 words)

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Skillet or saucepan for sauce

• Large mixing bowl

• 9x13-inch casserole dish

• Wooden spoon or whisk

• Cheese grater

• Strainer/colander

• Oven mitts

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Step-by-Step Instructions (Approx. 900 words)

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).

• Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• If you’re using raw chicken, bake or poach chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked and easy to shred.

• Let rest, then shred with two forks or your hands.

• For convenience, rotisserie chicken works great.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

• Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, smoothing lumps.

• Add the can of cream of mushroom or chicken soup, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper.

• Stir and cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

• Remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

• In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and sauce.

• Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or any optional veggies.

• Mix gently but thoroughly to coat pasta and chicken evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheese

• Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack (or mozzarella) cheese.

• Mix gently until cheese starts melting into the warm mixture.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

• Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into the casserole dish and spread evenly.

• Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.

• Finish with a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

• For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

• Remove casserole from the oven and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

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Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (Approx. 250 words)

• Chicken Choice: Use a mix of white and dark meat for the best flavor and texture. Leftover rotisserie chicken makes this super easy.

• Pasta: Don’t overcook the spaghetti; it will continue to cook in the oven. Rinsing the pasta prevents clumping and stops the cooking process.

• Sauce: The roux (butter + flour) ensures a thick and creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Stir constantly when adding liquids to avoid lumps.

• Cheese: Use a blend of cheeses for depth of flavor—sharp cheddar adds tang, Monterey Jack or mozzarella adds melty stretch, and Parmesan adds nuttiness.

• Vegetables: Bell peppers and mushrooms add freshness and texture, but you can swap in your favorites or omit them.

• Spices: Adjust seasonings to your preference. A little cayenne or smoked paprika adds complexity without overwhelming the dish.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole assembly a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to baking time if chilled.

• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

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Variations & Add-Ins (Approx. 300 words)

1. Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

Add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra kick.

2. Creamy Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti

Replace cream of mushroom soup with Alfredo sauce for a rich, cheesy flavor. Add steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.

3. Mexican-Inspired Chicken Spaghetti

Mix in 1 cup salsa instead of broth, add black beans and corn. Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with chopped cilantro and avocado.

4. Healthy Veggie-Loaded Version

Add shredded zucchini, spinach, or kale. Use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese.

5. Slow Cooker Option

Combine all ingredients (except cheese topping) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add cheese 15 minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions (Approx. 150 words)

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a filling main dish that pairs well with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

• Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up extra sauce.

• Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple vegetable medley.

• For a party, serve alongside a platter of fresh veggies and dips.

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Nutrition Info (Approx. 150 words)

Estimated per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 450-500

• Protein: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 18g (depending on cheese and butter amount)

• Fiber: 3-5g (depending on added veggies)

• Sodium: varies widely with canned soup and broth brands—use low sodium options if desired.

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Storage & Leftover Tips (Approx. 150 words)

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave.

• Freeze: Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat Tips: Cover with foil to prevent drying out and add a splash of milk if needed to refresh the sauce.

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Final Thoughts (Approx. 150 words)

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, cheesy texture combined with tender chicken and pasta makes it a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The recipe’s flexibility means you can tailor it to your family’s tastes and dietary needs, whether that’s adding veggies, turning up the heat, or making it lighter.

Once you make this casserole, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, especially when you want a no-fuss, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s also great for meal prepping and leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty dish that’s both comforting and comforting, with that irresistible cheesy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.