Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole

If you’re craving something cheesy, comforting, and easy to make, you’re in the right place! This cheesy spaghetti chicken casserole is one of my go-to recipes for busy nights. It’s packed with flavor and so simple, even kids can help make it!

Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce all coming together in one dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead meal for those nights you need something quick.

Trust me, you’ll love how cheesy and creamy this casserole is. Every bite is like a warm hug. And the best part? It takes just a few simple ingredients to make it happen!

Ready to make your new favorite dinner? Let’s dive into this cheesy spaghetti chicken casserole recipe! I promise it’ll be a hit at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Cheesy: A luscious blend of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese coats every bite of spaghetti.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
• Easy & Convenient: Uses pantry staples and minimal prep for a stress-free meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap the protein, or spice it up to your liking.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings

This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings, depending on portion size.

Difficulty

Easy enough for beginners, yet satisfying for experienced home cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before getting started, have these tools ready:

• Large pot – For boiling the spaghetti.
• Mixing bowls – To combine the creamy sauce and other ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal for even baking.
• Whisk or spoon – To mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese grater – If using fresh cheese for a better melt.
• Knife & cutting board – For dicing the bell pepper.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cheesy spaghetti chicken casserole:

• Spaghetti – The base of the dish, providing a perfect texture for the creamy sauce.
• Cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken works well.
• Cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
• Chicken broth – Helps thin out the sauce while enhancing taste.
• Sour cream – Brings a rich, tangy contrast to the cheese.
• Grated parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, salty depth to the dish.
• Bell pepper (red or green), finely diced – Provides a bit of crunch and mild sweetness.
• Garlic powder – Infuses the dish with a subtle garlicky warmth.
• Onion powder – Enhances the savory depth of the casserole.
• Kosher salt – Balances the flavors.
• Black pepper – Adds a touch of mild heat.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – The star ingredient, melted on top for a gooey, golden finish.

How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Start by boiling the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

• Cooked, Shredded Chicken: Add your shredded chicken to the bowl.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This will be the creamy base of the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Add about ½ cup of chicken broth to make the mixture smooth and easy to stir.
• Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream to add extra creaminess and a touch of tang.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, cheesy flavor.
• Bell Pepper (Chopped): Dice your bell pepper and add it to the mixture for a burst of color and crunch.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Sprinkle in garlic and onion powders for the perfect flavor base.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.

3. Combine Spaghetti with the Mixture

Add the cooked spaghetti to the casserole mixture. Gently fold the pasta into the mixture until the spaghetti is coated with all the creamy ingredients.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so that the ingredients are well-distributed.

5. Top with Cheese

Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. You want a nice, even layer of cheese so it melts beautifully into the dish while baking.

6. Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Once the oven is preheated, place the casserole dish in the oven. Bake the cheesy spaghetti chicken casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. You can also check if it’s done by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center—if it comes out hot, it’s ready to go.

7. Let It Rest

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to make it even more satisfying:

• With a Side Salad: A simple side salad with greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with some warm garlic bread for a carb lover’s dream combo.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a healthier side, roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini make a perfect pairing.

Storing Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole

• Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for later. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even peas to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it to save time.
• Adjust the Cheese: You can mix up the cheeses in this casserole. Try using a combination of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition Information (Optional)

Nutrition	Amount per Serving
Calories	420
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	3g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	750mg
Sugars	4g

Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any short pasta like penne or rotini if you prefer.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food that the whole family will love. With its creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness, it’s sure to become a new weeknight favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or prepping it for a busy week ahead, this dish is a winner. Give it a try, and enjoy the deliciousness!