When you crave comfort food, nothing beats a creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole. This Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a family gathering. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked spaghetti come together under a layer of melted cheddar cheese to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a family favorite for several reasons:
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of two types of canned soups, sour cream, and plenty of cheddar cheese ensures a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.
- Comforting: It’s a dish that combines the warmth of a classic casserole with the flavors of chicken and cheese, making it perfect for a cozy meal.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or switching up the type of cheese.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
To make this creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti: The base of the dish, cooked until tender.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook your own chicken for this recipe.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz): Provides an additional layer of flavor and creaminess.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Divided into 1 cup for the sauce and ½ cup for the topping.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and extra creaminess.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Thins out the sauce to create the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For a hint of onion flavor without chopping onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust according to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the chicken and adding a rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter. This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
While the spaghetti is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the chicken mixture for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed and smooth. This will form the base of the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti and the seasoned chicken to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Gently mix everything together until the spaghetti and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you like a more browned and crispy top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other types of pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, so it holds up well during baking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve it, simply bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add vegetables to this casserole for extra nutrition and flavor. Consider adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. Simply sauté the vegetables for a few minutes before mixing them into the casserole.
5. What other cheeses can I use?
While cheddar is a classic choice for this dish, you can mix and match different cheeses. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture, Parmesan for a nutty flavor, or a combination of cheeses for more depth.
6. Can I use homemade soups instead of canned?
Yes, if you prefer to avoid using canned soups, you can make your own cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups from scratch. There are plenty of recipes available online, and using homemade soups can add a fresher taste to the dish.
7. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten up this recipe, you can use low-fat versions of the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. You could also reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat cheese. Additionally, using whole wheat spaghetti adds more fiber and makes the dish a bit healthier.
8. What can I serve with Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?
This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread would complement the creamy, cheesy flavors of the casserole.
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy textures, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken. It’s a dish that pleases both kids and adults, making it perfect for a family meal. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with different ingredients or make it ahead of time for busy days. Whether you’re preparing it for a potluck, family gathering, or simply a cozy dinner at home, this dish will surely impress.