BEST CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Few things beat the craving for a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food classic. This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole delivers all that and more, transforming simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dish the whole family will adore. Get ready to dive into a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 oz can diced mushrooms, drained
• 10.75 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

For Topping (Optional):

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Let’s Prep the Chicken

First things first, we need to get that chicken cooked and ready to mingle with the rest of the ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s super simple!

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
4. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it with two forks. Alternatively, you can dice the chicken into small pieces. Set aside.

Whipping Up That Creamy Sauce

This is where the magic happens! The sauce is the heart and soul of this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. The key is to build layers of flavor.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well and toss with melted butter. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add the green bell pepper and red bell pepper and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the drained mushrooms, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream cheese, and chicken broth.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Bringing It All Together: Assembling the Casserole

Now for the fun part – combining all the elements into one glorious casserole!

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and the creamy sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. If desired, sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Almost there! Now, let’s bake this beauty until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
2. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Tips and Tricks for Casserole Success

Okay, friend, let’s talk about some common pitfalls and how to avoid them. We want this to be a stellar Chicken Spaghetti Casserole experience!

• Preventing a Dry Casserole: Nobody wants a dry casserole! The key is the sauce. Make sure you have enough liquid. If it seems thick, add a little more chicken broth. The cream cheese also plays a vital role, so don’t skimp!
• Nailing the Noodle Texture: Overcooked spaghetti is a casserole killer. Cook it al dente, just until tender but still firm to the bite. It will continue to cook in the oven. And always toss with butter after draining to prevent sticking.
• Adding Extra Flavor: Want to kick it up a notch? Try adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also add some chopped jalapenos for extra heat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the assembled casserole (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Again, you’ll need to add extra baking time.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.
• Spice It Up: Add a can of green chilies or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
• Cheese Lover’s Delight: Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for a more complex flavor.
• Healthy Swap: Use whole wheat spaghetti and low-fat cream cheese for a slightly healthier version.
• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken! Simply shred the meat and add it to the casserole.

What to Serve Alongside

A great casserole deserves equally delicious side dishes! Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Coleslaw

Other Comforting Pasta Recipes to Try

If you’re craving more pasta goodness, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes!

• For a quick and flavorful meal, try Chicken Scampi Pasta.
• If you prefer rigatoni, the Chicken Rigatoni is a must-try.
• Looking for a recipe that’s sure to impress? The Chicken Pasta Proposal is a winner!
• For a creamy and flavorful option, try the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta.
• You might also enjoy Baked Spaghetti Cream Cheese Heaven, which is a similar dish.
• If you like a little spice, the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is perfect for you.

The Perfect Potluck Pal!

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate potluck dish. It’s easy to transport, feeds a crowd, and is always a hit. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as good the next day!

Final Thoughts: Casserole Confidence!

Making Chicken Spaghetti Casserole might seem intimidating, but it’s truly a breeze once you get the hang of it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! The most important ingredient is love (and maybe a little extra cheese!). So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and create a casserole masterpiece. You’ve got this!