Are you searching for the ultimate comfort food that's easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a family favorite? Look no further than this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole! This beloved dish combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich and creamy sauce, and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
It's the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy Sunday dinner. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure, cheesy, chicken-spaghetti bliss!
Why This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Is a Must-Make
This casserole isn't just a meal; it's an experience. Here's why it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Unbeatable Comfort: Warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, it's the ultimate hug in a dish.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, even picky eaters can't resist its cheesy goodness.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don't need to be a gourmet chef to master this recipe.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it in advance, making dinner prep a breeze on busy days.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your family's tastes and what you have on hand.
Gathering Your Ingredients
The beauty of this creamy chicken spaghetti casserole lies in its simple, readily available ingredients. You'll need:
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Spaghetti
- Cream of chicken soup & cream of mushroom soup for the rich base
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies for a hint of flavor and a gentle kick
- Plenty of shredded cheddar cheese
- Chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for seasoning
Preparing your ingredients beforehand, especially having your chicken cooked and shredded (a good quality chef's knife can make quick work of shredding or dicing cooked chicken!), will make the assembly process even smoother.
How to Make the Best Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Making this delightful casserole is a breeze! Follow these steps for a perfect outcome every time:
Preparation is Key
Start by preheating your oven and lightly greasing your baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Cook your spaghetti according to package directions and have your cooked, shredded chicken ready. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here!
Mixing the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and the entire can of Rotel (drained, if you prefer less liquid, but including the liquid adds flavor!). Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well blended. This forms the incredibly flavorful and creamy sauce for your casserole.
Combining Everything
Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and chicken broth into the soup mixture. Make sure everything is thoroughly coated. Now, stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the pasta mixture – this is where the "cheesy" truly comes in!
Baking to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and a lovely golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set slightly before serving. This makes for cleaner slices!
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
- Chicken Prep: Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. You can also boil and shred chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use "Hot" Rotel for extra heat.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or frozen peas can be added to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread. It's truly a complete and satisfying dinner!
So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting and beloved casseroles out there. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
How should I store leftovers of this chicken spaghetti casserole?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until heated through.
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or a Mexican blend to customize the flavor to your liking.
How can I add more spice to my Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
To add more heat, you can use 'Hot' Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies instead of mild. Additionally, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the creamy sauce mixture.
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, spaghetti, a creamy soup base, Rotel, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Step 3: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the soup mixture, stirring well to blend all the flavors evenly.
Step 4: Fold in the shredded cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti, and chicken broth until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese so it is evenly mixed throughout the casserole filling.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy chicken spaghetti dish.
Notes
This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble it the day before and bake it when ready. For an extra kick, try using 'Hot' Rotel. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for quick prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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