ULTIMATE CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Picture this: a bubbling, cheesy casserole emerges from the oven, filled with tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, flavorful sauce that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent slaving away; we’re about to dive into the world of Easy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, a dish so simple and satisfying, it’ll become a family favorite in no time. Get ready to experience comfort food at its finest – it’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely divine!

Gathering Your Southern Comfort Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy casserole:

For the Chicken & Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (such as Rotel)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step to Southern Casserole Bliss

Let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, each step is straightforward and easy to follow.

Getting Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well. Don’t overcook it – al dente is ideal because it will continue to cook in the oven.

Making the Creamy Dreamy Sauce:

1. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a lovely flavor base.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened! It will blend much easier and prevent lumps.
3. Add the cooked onion and bell pepper mixture to the soup mixture. Stir in the milk or chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. If you’re looking for a similar recipe that’s equally comforting, take a look at this CREAMY DREAMY CHICKEN CASSEROLE!

Bringing It All Together:

1. Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the spaghetti is well-coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
2. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This creates that golden, bubbly crust we all crave!

Baking to Perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
2. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth!

Secrets to the Best Chicken Spaghetti Ever!

Want to take your Easy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

Spice It Up!

For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a can of hot diced tomatoes and green chilies. If you like spice, you should give this SPICY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE recipe a try!

Cheese, Please!

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little pepper jack would be delicious. A blend of cheeses adds complexity and depth of flavor.

Veggies Galore!

Add other vegetables to the skillet along with the onion and bell pepper. Mushrooms, celery, or even some chopped spinach would be great additions. More veggies = more nutrients and flavor!

Cream Cheese Considerations

Again, make absolutely sure your cream cheese is completely softened. An easy way to soften it quickly is to cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until softened (but not melted!).

Rotisserie Chicken: Your Secret Weapon

Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds tons of flavor. Plus, it’s usually cheaper than buying and cooking chicken breasts! Pro-tip: remove the skin before shredding the chicken to reduce the fat content.

Making it Ahead of Time

One of the best things about this casserole is that you can easily make it ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining.

Variations on a Theme

Want to mix it up a bit? Here are a few fun variations to try:

The CrockPot Version

If you prefer a hands-off approach, try making this casserole in your slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the CrockPot, stir well, and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Give this CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti a try!

Add Some Garlic

Roast some garlic and add it to the dish for a deeper, more complex flavour. Also this GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA is worth checking out.

More Pasta Options

Whilst Spaghetti is the classic choice, you can use other pasta. Something like Penne works really well, just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole. This is similar to HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN MAC!

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or some garlic bread. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. For dessert, consider a classic Southern treat like peach cobbler or banana pudding. This casserole would pair perfectly with Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta as a delightful accompaniment.

Leftover Love

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the casserole seems dry. Leftovers also freeze well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Your New Go-To Casserole

And there you have it! Your new go-to recipe for Easy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table and create lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and get ready to experience the magic of Southern comfort food. Happy cooking!

Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delightful taste of Southern comfort food at its finest.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup milk or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well. Don’t overcook it – al dente is ideal because it will continue to cook in the oven.
• While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
• Add the cooked onion and bell pepper mixture to the soup mixture. Stir in the milk or chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy.
• Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot diced tomatoes and green chilies. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack. You can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms or celery to the skillet. To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to bake. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.