ULTIMATE CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE RECIPE

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Author: Emaa Wilson
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A golden-brown chicken spaghetti casserole sits freshly baked in a white ceramic dish, showcasing melted cheese, tender chicken pieces, and a creamy sauce with visible herbs and a perfectly crisp top crust.
Comfort food has a magical way of transforming an ordinary evening into a memorable family feast, and chicken spaghetti casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that does exactly that. Picture a bubbling, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce that hugs every single strand – this isn’t just another dinner, it’s a warm embrace on a plate. With just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen love, you’ll create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, and I promise you’ll become the dinner hero in your household.

Why This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Is Different

A golden-brown chicken spaghetti casserole topped with melted cheese sits on a rustic wooden table, showcasing the comforting layers of pasta, tender chicken, and creamy sauce that make this classic family-style dish irresistibly delicious. Unlike traditional casseroles that can feel heavy or bland, this recipe is designed to be: • Incredibly flavorful • Easy to prepare • Perfect for meal prep • Kid and adult-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Base

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 pound spaghetti noodles
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Cheese and Topping Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced green onions
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Want

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Pasta pot
  • Cheese grater
  • Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation Phase

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside
  3. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces

Mixing and Assembly

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream
  2. Stir in chicken broth until mixture is smooth
  3. Add shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti, mixing thoroughly
  4. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish
  5. Top with shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese

Baking to Perfection

  1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes
  2. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly
  3. Optional: Sprinkle crushed crackers on top for extra crunch
  4. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience • Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue cooking in the oven • For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes • Casserole can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture
  • Can be frozen for up to 3 months

Nutritional Notes

While delicious, this is a comfort food best enjoyed in moderation. One serving provides approximately 450-500 calories and is rich in protein from the chicken and cheese. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and remember – cooking is about love, creativity, and bringing people together!

Can I prepare this chicken spaghetti casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep and convenient for busy schedules.

How long can I store the leftovers of this chicken spaghetti casserole?

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F for the best texture.

Are there any ways to make this casserole more interesting or spicy?

Yes! The recipe suggests adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicier version. You can also top it with crushed buttery crackers for extra crunch or experiment with different cheese combinations.

What makes this chicken spaghetti casserole different from other casseroles?

This casserole is designed to be incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and appealing to both kids and adults. It features a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a cheesy topping that sets it apart from traditional bland casseroles.

A golden-brown chicken spaghetti casserole sits freshly baked in a white ceramic dish, showcasing melted cheese, tender chicken pieces, and a creamy sauce with visible herbs and a perfectly crisp top crust.

Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A comforting and delicious casserole that combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This crowd-pleasing dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a family favorite that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 pound spaghetti noodles
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced green onions
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers optional
  • Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Pasta pot
  • Cheese grater
  • Aluminum foil
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups
  • Mixing Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside
  3. Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream
  5. Stir in chicken broth until the mixture is smooth
  6. Add shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti, mixing thoroughly
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish
  8. Top with shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes
  10. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly
  11. Optional: Sprinkle crushed crackers on top for extra crunch
  12. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving

Notes

Pro Tips: Use rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor. Don’t overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture.

Emaa Wilson

Emma is a passionate home cook and recipe developer who specializes in bridging traditional family recipes with modern techniques. Growing up learning from her sister's expertise, she focuses on creating approachable dishes that celebrate both heritage and innovation. Alongside her cooking partner Olivia, Emily develops recipes that emphasize the joy of collaborative cooking and the power of shared meals to bring people together.

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