Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let it rest, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, chopped bell peppers, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top and then add the sliced green onions.
5. Step 5: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole warm!

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking.
• Substitute bell peppers with diced tomatoes or mushrooms for different flavors.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like your casserole spicier.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time if you prefer a quicker preparation.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While spaghetti is traditional here, you can swap it for penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times if needed.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 111 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a hint of spice from paprika and cayenne pepper. It’s topped with vibrant bell peppers and green onions for added texture and color, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti

Cheese Sauce and Seasonings

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Vegetables and Garnish

• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken, let cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping), paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to blend the flavors and seasonings thoroughly.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, chopped bell peppers, and sliced green onions to the cheese sauce mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated and combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden cheesy crust.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired and enjoy warm.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.
• For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and a low-fat cream of chicken soup.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, chicken spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, comfort food, easy dinner recipe