Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Spaghetti: 8 oz (about half a box)
• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Milk: 1/2 cup
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded (divided)
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, diced
• Onion: 1, diced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced green bell pepper and onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and milk. Stir until well blended.
2. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the sauce, and mix well.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. In the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, add the cooked chicken, drained spaghetti, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the skillet, and stir everything together until the spaghetti and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
3. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just be sure to cook it al dente to prevent overcooking when it bakes.

Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?
A: Yes! If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook 2 chicken breasts in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once cooked through, shred or dice the chicken, and proceed with the recipe.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Absolutely. You can add or substitute vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or even frozen peas to customize the casserole to your taste.

Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s been chilled.

Tips for Making Perfect Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Season Well: Since canned soups already contain some salt, adjust the salt and spices to your taste. Always taste the sauce before adding it to the casserole for seasoning balance.
• Add Broth Gradually: If you prefer a thicker casserole, start with 1/2 cup of chicken broth and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience and extra flavor, rotisserie chicken is a great choice. It saves time and adds a rich taste to the casserole.
• Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the casserole, cook it just to al dente. This helps prevent it from becoming too soft after baking.
• Experiment with Cheese: For a twist, you can add a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a bit of heat.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freeze: This casserole is freezer-friendly! Once baked and cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: To reheat, let the casserole thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, delicious dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to customize with different vegetables or cheeses and can be made in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is the ultimate cozy meal. Serve it as a main dish for weeknight dinners or bring it to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing casserole.

Enjoy the blend of savory chicken, cheesy goodness, and the comfort of a homemade meal with this versatile and family-friendly recipe. Creamy, hearty, and easy to make, this casserole will likely become a regular in your meal rotation!