There’s something truly special about a dish that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. For me, Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is one of those dishes. It’s a comforting, creamy, and cheesy delight that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck party with friends. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and melted cheese, all baked together in one delicious casserole, is irresistible. And the best part? It’s easy to make, taking less than an hour from prep to plate.
This recipe holds a cherished place in my heart because my mom used to make it for us almost every week. The aroma of the creamy sauce bubbling away in the oven would fill the house, making us all eager to dig in. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug and as satisfying as a second helping. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a winner.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 7 oz spaghetti: Cooked al dente, this will be the base of your casserole.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken works great for this!
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese: For that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (green or red): Adds a pop of color and a slight crunch.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy foundation that holds it all together.
- 1 cup milk: To thin out the sauce and make it perfectly creamy.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing the veggies.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup jack cheese: To top off the casserole with even more cheesy goodness.
- Optional: Add mushrooms or celery for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious, cheesy casserole:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Get the oven ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when your casserole goes in, helping everything cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the pasta: Cook 7 oz of spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but not too soft. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Melt the butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add the chopped onion and bell peppers (and mushrooms or celery if you’re using them).
Cook until tender: Sauté the vegetables until they’re tender and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to the casserole.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Mix the soup and milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of milk until smooth. This will be the creamy base that ties everything together.
Combine with veggies and cheese: Pour the soup mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese has melted into the sauce. The result should be a rich, creamy mixture that’s full of flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Add the chicken: Stir in the 2 cups of cooked chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Mix in the spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet or bowl, and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle with cheese: Evenly sprinkle the 1/2 cup of jack cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, bubbly cheese layer as it bakes.
Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Dish it up: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
Enjoy: Scoop out a hearty portion, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting Chicken Spaghetti Casserole!
Variations & Tips: Make It Your Own
This casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with these variations and tips:
Add More Veggies
Mushrooms or Celery: Add 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms or diced celery to the sautéed veggies for extra texture and flavor.
Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach leaves just before baking for a nutrient boost.
Change Up the Cheese
Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to the dish.
Make It Spicy
Add a Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.
Use Different Protein
Swap the Chicken: Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even shrimp for a fun variation. This is also a great way to use up leftovers.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Casserole
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience:
Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adds a delightful crunch to the meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a healthy and colorful side dish.
Final Thoughts
The Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Its creamy, cheesy goodness, combined with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti, makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. This casserole is a true testament to the joy of home cooking—simple, satisfying, and filled with love. Happy cooking!
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 7 oz spaghetti cooked al dente
- 2 cups cooked chicken cut into bite-sized pieces (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bell peppers green or red, chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cans 10.75 oz each condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup jack cheese shredded
- Optional: 1/2 cup mushrooms or celery sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and optional mushrooms or celery. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until melted and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken and spaghetti, mixing well to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour in the spaghetti mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the jack cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, until bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Variations: Use different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda, add extra veggies like spinach or jalapeños, or swap chicken for turkey or shrimp.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.