The Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly blends tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese in every comforting bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, showcasing a wonderful mix of textures—from the hearty spaghetti strands to the crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or bringing something special to a potluck, this casserole stands out as a delicious, fuss-free favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful casserole. Each component plays a vital role: the chicken adds protein and substance, the soups and sour cream create luscious creaminess, and the cheeses bring that irresistible cheesy goodness you crave.
- Cooked chopped chicken: Using rotisserie chicken speeds up prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Spaghetti: Cooked al dente, it provides a perfect base that holds the creamy sauce well.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup: Adds depth and a velvety texture; fat-free is a lighter choice.
- Chicken broth: Brightens the flavor and prevents the casserole from being too thick.
- Sour cream: Light sour cream enriches the dish with tang and creaminess.
- Melted butter: Boosts richness and helps create a golden crust.
- Cayenne pepper: A touch of heat that balances the creaminess nicely.
- Dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Salt and ground pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses Mediterranean herbs for a savory kick.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the cheddar.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides gooey, melty texture and bold taste.
- Italian breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your casserole is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9×9-inch dishes if you prefer smaller portions. This step prevents sticking and ensures your casserole comes out effortlessly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, melted butter, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the chicken and spaghetti are well coated with the flavorful creamy mixture. This blend is the heart of your Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, so take a moment to appreciate how those flavors come together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy chicken and spaghetti mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. The even layer helps it bake uniformly. Now, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by a layer of Italian breadcrumbs for that all-important crispy finish. This combination of gooey cheese and crunchy topping is what makes this casserole truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Patience here pays off as the casserole comes together, bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumbs turning a delicious golden brown. It’s this lovely contrast of creamy, cheesy interior and crisp, toasted topping that defines the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a vibrant touch of color and a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the casserole beautifully. For an extra pop, a light drizzle of hot sauce or a dusting of paprika can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These lighter sides balance the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or casual gathering, serve the casserole directly from an attractive casserole dish accompanied by colorful bowls and cozy napkins. You can also portion this recipe into individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation that guests will love. Either way, the warm gooeyness makes it a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and develop further overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Prepare and assemble the casserole as directed, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350ºF oven until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a few extra minutes under the broiler can revive the crunchy breadcrumb topping perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs before adding them to the casserole. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing to keep the casserole creamy and tender.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, using fat-free or light versions of the cream soups and sour cream helps lighten the recipe without losing its creamy texture. Also, consider using reduced-fat cheese for fewer calories.
Can I substitute the spaghetti with another pasta?
Definitely! While spaghetti works well for texture and holding sauce, penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni are great substitutes. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and drain pasta before mixing in the casserole.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, simply increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños to the mixture. A dash of hot sauce on top before serving also adds a nice spicy touch.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?
Using Italian breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter is key for a crunchy top layer. For extra crispiness, try broiling the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about settling in with a warm dish like this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressively delicious for when you want to wow your loved ones. The combination of creamy chicken, cheesy pasta, and that satisfying crunchy topping creates comfort food at its finest. Give it a go—you’ll soon find it becoming a beloved recipe in your kitchen rotation!
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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked pasta dish loaded with tender rotisserie chicken, rich sour cream, melted cheddar, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners, it combines cooked spaghetti with cream of chicken soup, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings for irresistible flavor and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken (from 1 whole rotisserie chicken)
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (98% fat free)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 16 oz light sour cream
- 1 stick butter, melted
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 1½ to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, cooked spaghetti, unsalted cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, light sour cream, melted butter, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to create a rich and creamy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9×9-inch dishes. Spread the chicken and pasta mixture evenly in the dish(es). Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by an even layer of Italian breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed onions or garlic into the sauce mixture before baking.
- If you prefer, substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
- The cayenne pepper adds just a subtle heat; adjust quantity according to taste.
- Ensure spaghetti is well drained to prevent a watery casserole.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
