Description
This comforting Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, al dente spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, creamy soups, and a blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, this hearty casserole offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures with optional crispy bacon for added richness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken (any combo)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 lb thin spaghetti (broken into thirds)
Vegetables
- 1 large sweet yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Other
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled, optional)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Cajun seasoning (or seasoned salt, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray and set it aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken and 2 teaspoons of salt into a stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then continue boiling until the chicken is fully cooked, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot, reserving the cooking water. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks or your preferred method, then set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Add additional water to the pot (enough to boil the spaghetti), bring to a boil, then add the broken spaghetti pieces. Cook until al dente, approximately 7 minutes.
- Drain and Reserve Liquid: Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid for later mixing.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, 1 cup of reserved pasta water, shredded chicken, finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon if using. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined. Season with black pepper and Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot for a comforting and savory meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
