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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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