Creamy & Dreamy: The Ultimate Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe

Spaghetti chicken casserole – it’s comfort food at its finest! This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a special occasion. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a satisfyingly crunchy topping. This recipe is easy to adapt to your liking, making it a versatile option for any home cook. Get ready to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Chicken Casserole

* **Ultimate Comfort Food:** This casserole is warm, comforting, and nostalgic. It’s a hug in a dish!
* **Easy to Make:** With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Both kids and adults love this casserole. It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
* **Versatile:** Easily customize this recipe with different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings to suit your preferences.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the casserole in advance and bake it when you’re ready to eat. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Using economical ingredients like spaghetti, chicken, and canned soup makes this a cost-effective meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Spaghetti:** 1 pound, cooked according to package directions. Make sure to cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
* **Cooked Chicken:** 3 cups, shredded or diced. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or poached chicken.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 1 (10.75-ounce) can. This forms the base of the creamy sauce. You can substitute cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if preferred.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 (10.75-ounce) can. Adds depth of flavor to the creamy sauce. You can use two cans of cream of mushroom if you prefer.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup. This adds a tangy creaminess to the sauce. You can use plain Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. Divided use. Some goes into the sauce and some on top for a cheesy crust.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Adds savory flavor to the casserole.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Used to sauté the onion and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the casserole to your liking.
* **Optional Toppings:** Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, fried onions, or Parmesan cheese.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot:** For cooking the spaghetti.
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For sautéing the onion and garlic and preparing the sauce.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For assembling and baking the casserole.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
3. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce**

1. In the skillet with the onion and garlic, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream.
2. Heat through, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Combine Ingredients**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce.
2. Mix well to ensure that the spaghetti and chicken are evenly coated.

**Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Pour the spaghetti chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

**Step 6: Add Optional Toppings (If Using)**

1. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs, crushed crackers, fried onions, or Parmesan cheese over the cheese layer.

**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

**Step 8: Let it Rest & Serve**

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, provolone, or Colby Jack.
* **Add Vegetables:** Stir in cooked vegetables like broccoli, peas, carrots, or mushrooms to add extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
* **Use Different Meats:** Substitute the chicken with ground beef, ground turkey, or ham.
* **Make it Healthier:** Use whole wheat spaghetti, low-fat soup, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** Mix bread crumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese for a crispy topping.
* **Prevent Spaghetti Sticking:** Toss the drained spaghetti with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together before adding it to the sauce.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, or use a plant-based chicken substitute.
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add a tangy twist to the casserole by incorporating chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the spaghetti mixture.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Sprinkle fresh parsley, basil, or oregano over the finished casserole for a burst of flavor.
* **Adjust Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
* **Use a Rotisserie Chicken:** For convenience, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or dice the meat and add it to the casserole.
* **Make Individual Casseroles:** Divide the spaghetti mixture into individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Freeze for Later:** Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This spaghetti chicken casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy side dish.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal.
* **Coleslaw:** Offers a cool and tangy counterpoint to the warm casserole.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A classic side dish that pairs well with the flavors of the casserole.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Soft and buttery dinner rolls are always a welcome addition to any meal.
* **Tomato Soup:** For a cozy meal, serve with a warm bowl of tomato soup.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This spaghetti chicken casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the casserole according to the recipe instructions.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover spaghetti chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Baked leftovers can also be frozen, but the texture of the spaghetti might change slightly.

Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the spaghetti can become dry.

Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe

This recipe is a more concise format for those that just want the recipe without all the extra detail.

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound spaghetti
* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
* 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup sour cream
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: bread crumbs, crushed crackers, fried onions, Parmesan cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, drain.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
4. Stir in soups, sour cream, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine spaghetti, chicken, and sauce.
6. Pour into greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Top with remaining cheese and optional toppings.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting spaghetti chicken casserole!