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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, it combines sharp cheddar cheese, bell peppers, and a hint of spice from paprika and cayenne pepper to create a rich and satisfying casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or substitute with shrimp or mushrooms)
  • 8 oz Spaghetti (can use gluten-free pasta if preferred)

Cheese and Soup

  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Monterey Jack works well for a milder flavor)
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (can substitute cream of mushroom soup for vegetarian option)

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 1 cup Fresh Bell Peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 0.25 cup Green Onions, sliced (or substitute chopped parsley)
  • 1 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the boneless chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated and evenly coated with the sauce and spices.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust once baked.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms to make the dish pescatarian or vegetarian-friendly when using cream of mushroom soup.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
  • Using smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor, but regular paprika works well too.
  • If you prefer a creamier casserole, add a splash of milk or cream when mixing ingredients.
  • For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and confirm cream soup is gluten-free.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving allows it to set and makes slicing easier.

Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti, baked pasta, comfort food, shredded chicken, easy dinner

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/cheesy-chicken-spaghetti-casserole-recipe/