Description

This comforting Chicken Spaghetti casserole combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, baked to bubbling perfection. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family meals and can be prepared ahead and frozen for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
2 cups reserved chicken broth from cooking the chicken

Pasta

3 cups uncooked spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces

Vegetables and Add-ins

1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained

Other Ingredients

2 cans cream of mushroom soup
3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook and shred chicken: Cut up one fryer chicken and cook until fully done. Remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop to yield 2 cups of cooked chicken.
Prepare spaghetti: Use the reserved chicken broth from cooking the chicken to boil the spaghetti pieces until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them; they should retain a slight firmness. Drain if necessary.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, diced onion, drained pimentos, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into a casserole pan. Spread evenly and top with the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
Bake the casserole: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until bubbly. If the cheese on top begins to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Optional storage: The casserole can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking, or frozen (covered tightly) for up to 6 months. When ready to serve from frozen, bake directly without thawing, adjusting time as necessary to ensure it is heated through and bubbly.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh broth reserved from cooking the chicken.
Breaking the spaghetti into smaller pieces helps with easier serving and eating.
Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
Covering with foil during baking will prevent the cheese topping from burning while allowing the casserole to cook evenly.
This dish can be made ahead and stored frozen for convenience without compromising taste or texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Spaghetti, Casserole, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Easy Dinner, Make Ahead Meal