Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

ByLana Polati
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Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender chicken, gooey cheddar cheese, and a hint of spice, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.

A close-up of a white plate filled with baked cheesy pasta, showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy white sauce with bits of cooked ground meat, the middle layer is rigatoni pasta standing upright covered in melted golden cheese, and the top layer is bubbly browned cheese with crispy small pieces of cooked bacon and green parsley sprinkled lightly. The texture of the pasta looks soft and gooey, with sauce dripping down the sides. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or substitute with shrimp or mushrooms)
  • 8 oz Spaghetti (can use gluten-free pasta if preferred)
  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Monterey Jack works well for a milder flavor)
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (can substitute cream of mushroom soup for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup Fresh Bell Peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 0.25 cup Green Onions, sliced (or substitute chopped parsley)
  • 1 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F). Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
  • Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of sharp cheddar for a milder, creamier flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white plate with a thick slice of baked macaroni and cheese. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom is creamy with tender pasta coated in a pale yellow cheese sauce, the middle layer shows soft pasta curved upright, densely packed, covered with a gooey melted cheese stretch, and the top layer is golden brown with small bits of crispy bacon scattered, plus some green parsley sprinkled for color. The texture of the cheese on top looks bubbly and slightly browned. The background is a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the plate on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for al dente texture.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 119 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Tender, golden-brown chicken is combined with al dente spaghetti, a flavorful creamy sauce, bell peppers, and a medley of spices, all topped with a generous layer of melted sharp cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is easy to prepare and full of rich flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or substitute with shrimp or mushrooms)
  • 8 oz Spaghetti (can use gluten-free pasta if preferred)

Cheese and Sauce

  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Monterey Jack works well for a milder flavor)
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (can substitute cream of mushroom soup for vegetarian option)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup Fresh Bell Peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 0.25 cup Green Onions, sliced (or substitute chopped parsley)

Spices

  • 1 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the boneless chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated and evenly coated with the sauce and spices.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust once baked.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a different protein or vegetarian option.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Fresh garlic can be substituted for garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Baked Pasta, Comfort Food, Family Dinner

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