Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Indulge in the heartwarming goodness of our Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, a beloved dish that wraps tender chicken and velvety pasta in a rich, cheesy embrace.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken cut into pieces (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 pound 454g thin spaghetti, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup about 30g finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup about 30g finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 medium onion finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 1/2 cups about 280g shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- Seasoned salt 1 teaspoon, plus salt and black pepper to taste
- Two cans each 10 3/4 ounces of cream of mushroom soup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for a culinary delight. In a large pot of boiling water, introduce the chicken pieces and let them simmer into tenderness—this is where our casserole's flavor foundation starts.
- Once the chicken is tender, reserve 2 cups of broth, then shred the chicken after it's cooled. Plunge the spaghetti into the same flavorful broth, cooking it just to al dente.
- In a gathering bowl, unite the shredded chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy mushroom soup, and a bounty of cheddar cheese with the bell peppers, onion, and spices. Add in just enough reserved broth to bring everything together in a moist, but not wet, embrace.
- Lay the mixture in a casserole dish, lovingly top with the rest of the cheddar, and choose your next move—to bake now, refrigerate for later, or freeze for a future feast.
- If baking immediately, watch the cheese bubble and turn golden for about 45 minutes—cover with foil if it's browning too fast, like a quick cloud cover on a sunny day.
Notes
Dive into the flexibility of this dish by swapping in different proteins, playing with pasta shapes, or choosing gluten-free options. It's a recipe that bends to your whims while maintaining its comforting core.
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is not just a dish; it's a warm, cheesy hug on a plate. It's the meal you turn to for smiles, for comfort, for a taste that says 'home.' So gather your ingredients, and let's bake up some joy and satisfaction in one deliciously easy casserole.
