Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
