Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
