Description
This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a flavorful combination of cream of chicken soup and diced tomatoes with green chilies, this baked pasta dish brings a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that can be made ahead and even frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti and cook until just al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta brand. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and chopped green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly for a uniform bake. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save time.
- Add cooked bacon or mushrooms to enhance the flavor with extra savory notes.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble it ahead of time and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
