Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Looking for a comforting, creamy, and totally satisfying weeknight meal? This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole hits all the right notes. Loaded with tender chicken, pasta, and a cheesy, flavorful sauce, this Southern-inspired classic is a family favorite that’s perfect for potlucks, freezer meals, or easy dinners everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Classic – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with familiar flavors.
Kid-Friendly – A pasta casserole even picky eaters will devour.
Make-Ahead Meal – Assembles easily ahead of time for busy nights.
Feeds a Crowd – Perfect for large families or potluck gatherings.
Freezer Friendly – Make two and save one for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz spaghetti (broken in half)
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• ½ cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, if using crackers)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup diced green bell pepper or pimentos
• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or onions
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Foil (for baking, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente—about 1–2 minutes less than package directions.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until smooth.
Stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce mixture.
Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Pour into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread into an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
If using crackers or breadcrumbs, mix with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results
Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds flavor.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta holds up best when baked.
Make It Creamier – Add an extra ½ cup of chicken broth or a splash of milk if you like a looser sauce.
Try Different Cheese – Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend work great too.
Double the Recipe – Bake one now, freeze one for later.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Broccoli – A crisp veggie side to balance the rich casserole.
Garlic Bread – Ideal for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
Green Salad – A light, fresh side dish to round out the meal.
Roasted Carrots – Adds sweetness and color to the plate.
Fruit Salad – A cool, refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap the entire casserole (unbaked or baked) tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different pasta?
   Yes! Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work great in place of spaghetti.
2. Can I make this without canned soup?
   You can use a homemade white sauce or béchamel as a substitute for the cream soups.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
   No, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and certified gluten-free soup alternatives.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10–15 extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

Final Thoughts
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or freezing it for later, this comfort-food classic is always a hit. It’s easy to customize, reheats beautifully, and brings that warm, home-cooked feeling to the table every time.

Make it once, and it’ll become a go-to family favorite! Don’t forget to share your creation and tag us so we can see your cheesy masterpiece.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American–Southern

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 460 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 790mg

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