Introduction

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners. With tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice, it combines classic flavors in a hearty baked pasta meal.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: 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.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
Using smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor but regular paprika works well too.
Try mixing in some cooked bacon or ham for added savory richness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for milder or creamier flavors.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or use a homemade substitute.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Tender shredded chicken is combined with al dente spaghetti, creamy soup, vibrant bell peppers, and melty sharp cheddar cheese, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. With a touch of paprika and cayenne for a mild kick, it’s an easy, satisfying casserole that pleases all ages.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or substitute with shrimp or mushrooms)

Pasta

8 oz Spaghetti (can use gluten-free pasta if preferred)

Dairy

2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Monterey Jack works well for a milder flavor)

Sauces & Soups

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (can substitute cream of mushroom soup for vegetarian option)

Vegetables & Herbs

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 variation or dietary preferences.
Use gluten-free pasta and cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free or vegetarian alternative.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your taste.
Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for more intense flavor.
For added texture, consider mixing in some cooked peas or corn with the bell peppers.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, One Dish Meal, Family Dinner