Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a guaranteed hit! Packed with tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy mushroom soup, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a family dinner, or craving a hearty dish, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and customizable to suit your taste buds. Let’s dive into the details!
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Ingredients Breakdown
• Chicken: Cooked and shredded for a hearty protein base.
• Spaghetti: Broken into smaller pieces to mix well with the sauce.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a creamy, savory depth.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the dish for rich cheesiness.
• Green Pepper & Onion: Finely diced for a mild crunch and extra flavor.
• Pimentos: Adds a pop of color and slight sweetness.
• Chicken Broth: Reserved from cooking the chicken for extra flavor.
• Seasonings: Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne, salt, and pepper for a well-balanced taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is the epitome of comfort food.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole can be made ahead and frozen for later.
- Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty combination of chicken, pasta, and cheese.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite veggies or spices.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a fryer.
- Add Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
- Cheese Options: Swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer.
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2. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover the casserole with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based cream soup alternative.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
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Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and cream of mushroom soup.
- Low-Carb: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Extra Creamy: Add a cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture for a richer texture.
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey or ham for a twist.
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Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
- Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea.
- Dessert: End the meal with a classic dessert like apple pie or chocolate mousse.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
The Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish packed with tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or cozy family dinners!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Spaghetti:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
- 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking a cut-up fryer in a pot of water until tender. Reserve 2 cups of the chicken broth and shred or dice the chicken to make 2 cups.
- Prepare the Spaghetti: In the same pot of reserved chicken broth, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Avoid overcooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, pimentos, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake or Store: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until bubbly. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dish for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 6 months before baking.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- If you don’t have Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, substitute with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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