Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy soups, spicy diced tomatoes, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking for a dish that will impress your guests, this hearty pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The dish is easy to prepare, flavorful, and comforting—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
This recipe requires the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta casserole that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With simple ingredients, you can create a rich and filling dish that is both comforting and delicious.
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the casserole to bake evenly and melt the cheese perfectly, creating that golden, bubbly top that everyone loves.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, heat a little oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it until soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step will bring out the sweetness in the onion and create a flavorful base for your casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will form the creamy sauce that binds the pasta and chicken together. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a zesty kick to the dish, enhancing its flavor and making it extra tasty.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the sauce mixture is well-mixed, add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and sautéed onions. Mix everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. This is where the magic happens—each strand of pasta and piece of chicken will be enveloped in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Next, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly. This size baking dish is perfect for this recipe as it allows for just the right amount of space to bake everything together into a cheesy masterpiece.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This cheese will melt beautifully during baking, turning into a bubbly, golden layer that everyone will love. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more for an extra cheesy dish!
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. You can check by inserting a knife or fork into the center of the casserole—if it comes out hot, the dish is ready.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set, making it easier to cut and serve. Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, creamy, cheesy goodness of your Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti works best for this recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand. Penne, rotini, or fusilli would all work great. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions before adding it to the dish.
2. Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. You can bake, boil, or pan-fry the chicken until it’s cooked through. Shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe too!
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dish up until the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. To do so, assemble the casserole in a baking dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding a variety of vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini would work well as substitutes. You could also add a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, if desired.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit more heat, try adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra spicy kick!
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect comfort food that combines the savory flavors of chicken, creamy soups, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a family favorite, offering rich and hearty flavors that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a dish to serve at a potluck, this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a versatile and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to top it off with your favorite side dish, like garlic bread or a fresh green salad, to complete your meal!