Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Whipping up a hearty chicken spaghetti casserole promises comfort and warmth on chilly evenings.

Cheesy layers meld perfectly with tender pasta and succulent chicken pieces.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that everyone can enjoy.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crisp breadcrumb toppings for an irresistible meal.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this classic dish’s rich, welcoming profile.

We bet you’ll want seconds of this delightful casserole that brings smiles to every plate.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar and Velveeta are the recommended cheeses. They provide a creamy, melty texture that perfectly complements the chicken and spaghetti, creating a rich and comforting flavor profile.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

While the recipe calls for canned diced tomatoes with chilies, fresh tomatoes can be substituted. Just ensure you chop them finely and drain excess liquid to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes diced tomatoes with chilies, which adds a mild kick. If you prefer less heat, choose mild canned tomatoes or reduce the amount of chili-infused tomatoes.

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Overview

• Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole that wraps you in pure comfort and warmth, perfect for those moments when you need a delicious hug on a plate.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy kitchen skills like sautéing vegetables, creating a smooth cheese sauce, and baking a one-dish meal that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it.
• Adapt to Family Preferences: Customize this recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping cheeses, or adding extra vegetables to suit everyone's taste buds, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for family dinners.

Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the foundational carbohydrate for this hearty casserole.
• Chicken: The primary protein that adds substantial flavor and texture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Velveeta Cheese: These cheeses create a rich, creamy, and melty sauce that binds the casserole together.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: These condensed soups provide a creamy base and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth and moisture to the casserole mixture.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These vegetables contribute a sweet and aromatic foundation to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Bring a tangy and slightly spicy element to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing pasta from sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Pasta Cooking Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

How to Cook Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a bubbling boil.

Drop the spaghetti into the hot water and cook for about 10 minutes until it’s slightly firm. Save a bit of pasta water, then drain the noodles.

Drizzle a splash of olive oil over the pasta to keep it from sticking together. Set the noodles aside for later.

Step 2: Prepare The Oven

Crank up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 13×9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Sauté Veggies

Heat up a large pot with olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in chopped onions and bell peppers.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to wake up the flavors. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the onions look glassy and see-through.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes

Pour in the diced tomatoes with chilies. Let everything simmer and bubble until most of the liquid disappears, which takes around 5 minutes.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Base

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken stock

Lower the heat and let it gently simmer.

Step 6: Melt The Cheese

Add both cheddar and Velveeta cheeses.

Keep stirring until they melt into a smooth, dreamy sauce. Mix in the cooked chicken and taste.

Adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Fold the cooked spaghetti into the cheesy sauce.

Make sure every noodle gets coated. If the sauce looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 8: Bake The Casserole

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 9: Final Baking

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top turns golden and the sauce starts bubbling around the edges.

Pull it out and serve piping hot!

Tips for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.
• Swap cream soups with homemade white sauce for a healthier alternative that reduces processed ingredients.
• Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack or mozzarella to create unique taste profiles.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value and introduce more color to the dish.

Variations to Try with Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Chicken Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining similar protein content and texture for vegetarian diet preferences.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, swap bell peppers for poblano peppers, incorporate smoked paprika and chipotle seasoning for a bolder southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti, substitute cream soups with homemade cashew cream sauce, replace wheat-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reduce cheese quantity, increase vegetable content, and use lighter cream alternatives for a lower-carbohydrate version.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to complement the creamy cheese and chicken flavors, cutting through the richness of the casserole.
• Opt for an ice-cold light beer such as a pilsner or pale ale, which provides a clean, crisp contrast to the heavy, cheesy texture of the chicken spaghetti casserole.
• Prepare a bright, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the dish, offering a fresh and acidic counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.

Storage Recommendations for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Storage: Pack the casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if using cream-based sauces, as texture might separate.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in this chicken spaghetti casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Cheese-covered pasta delivers pure warmth and satisfaction for hungry families seeking a classic meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
• 1 pound (454 g) spaghetti noodles
• 2 10-oz (283 g) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel brand preferred)
• 2 cups (226 g) finely shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• 4 oz (113 g) Velveeta cheese (cubed)
• 1 10.5-oz (298 g) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 10.5-oz (298 g) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1 red or green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook spaghetti for 10 minutes, maintaining a slightly firm texture. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain noodles. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Heat remaining olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers with salt and pepper for 5 minutes until onions turn translucent.
4. Add diced tomatoes with chilies and cook until liquid reduces, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken stock. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
6. Gradually mix in cheddar and Velveeta cheeses, stirring until melted smoothly. Fold in prepared chicken, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Gently fold spaghetti into the cheese sauce, ensuring complete coating. If mixture seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
8. Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes until sauce bubbles and top turns golden brown. Serve hot directly from the oven.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by experimenting with different varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium soups and reducing added salt during cooking.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and using gluten-free cream soups.
• Enhance vegetable intake by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg