If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines gooey cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, look no further than this Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of creamy, savory flavors baked into one satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Each bite reveals a harmony of textures—from the soft noodles to the melty cheddar topping—that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that together create a symphony of taste and texture. Each element plays a vital role, balancing creaminess, seasoning, and a touch of freshness for an unforgettable dinner treat.
- 8-12 ounces spaghetti: The pasta forms the hearty base, providing just the right chewiness for the casserole.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Adds protein and a tender, savory bite that complements the creamy sauce.
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that binds everything together.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Enhances flavor depth while keeping the casserole moist.
- ½ cup sour cream: Infuses the dish with tang and richness.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch to the mix.
- 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced: Brings a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides warm, savory undertones.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts overall flavor complexity.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for balancing all the ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and spice.
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The crowning glory that melts to a golden, bubbling finish.
How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Spaghetti and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish. This simple prep ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and that it bakes evenly. Cook your spaghetti in a pot of lightly salted water until al dente or to your preferred softness, then drain—no rinsing needed. Leaving the pasta slightly warm helps it soak up all the creamy flavors in the next steps.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Chicken Base
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where all the savory magic happens—the creamy base combined with the seasoning harmonizes every bite you take of this Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Fold in the Spaghetti
Carefully fold the cooked spaghetti noodles into the chicken and sauce mixture. The goal is to evenly distribute those strands without breaking them up too much. This ensures every forkful gets a perfect balance of pasta and creamy chicken goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread your combined mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish bubbles with excitement and the cheese turns irresistibly golden brown. Let it cool briefly to set before diving in.
How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh contrast to the creamy richness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring a touch of heat that pairs beautifully with the cheesy flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. A crunchy garlic bread on the side also makes a perfect companion, soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe straight from the baking dish for a cozy family-style meal or portion it individually in cute ramekins for a charming dinner party. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese or freshly cracked pepper right before serving elevates the presentation even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole by wrapping it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It holds up well for up to 2 months, offering you convenient comfort food whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 15-20 minutes. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short intervals to maintain that cheesy goodness without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the star in this recipe, you can swap it out for penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on cooking times since shapes cook differently.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are great alternatives that maintain the creamy texture and savory flavor.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly once baked?
It’s best to freeze the casserole before baking for the best texture, but you can freeze leftovers after baking too. Just note the cheese topping may not stay as crispy after freezing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Use dairy-free sour cream, cheese alternatives, and a suitable creamy soup substitute. The flavor profile will shift slightly but remain delicious.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Look for bubbling edges and a nicely browned, melted cheese topping. The internal temperature should be hot and steamy throughout, usually after about 25-30 minutes in a 350°F oven.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe quickly becomes a beloved staple thanks to its irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to try it soon—it’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles and full hearts to your dinner table.
Print
Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole that combines tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8–12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole pan with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente or softer as preferred. Drain well in a colander without rinsing and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a uniform mixture.
- Add Spaghetti: Gently fold the cooked spaghetti noodles into the chicken mixture ensuring even distribution without breaking the noodles.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown and melted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set before serving hot.
Notes
- Do not rinse spaghetti after draining to help the sauce adhere better.
- The amount of cheese on top can be adjusted to personal preference for cheesiness.
- Cook chicken prior to assembling; rotisserie or leftover chicken works well.
- Use a sharp cheddar for best melting and flavor.
- Bell pepper can be substituted or omitted based on taste.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
