Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

$- Chicken and Spaghetti: Use 2 cups of cooked spaghetti and 2 cups of cooked chicken. The chicken can be shredded or diced. This base gives the casserole its heartiness. - Cheese Types: The dish shines with three kinds of cheese. You need 1 cup each of shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. This blend makes the casserole creamy and delicious. - Vegetables and Seasonings: You will add flavor with 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. For extra taste, use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to suit your taste. These veggies and spices make the dish vibrant and tasty. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the casserole rich and filling. You can mix and match flavors based on your preference, but this combo works wonderfully. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating the Oven First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure it’s hot enough for baking. Sautéing the Vegetables Next, get a large skillet and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, toss in half a cup of diced onion and half a cup of diced bell peppers. I like to use both red and green bell peppers for color. Add two cloves of minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes. The onion should turn soft and smell great. Combining Ingredients In a big mixing bowl, combine two cups of cooked spaghetti and two cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Add your sautéed veggies to the bowl. Then, pour in one cup of marinara sauce and one cup of cream of mushroom soup. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until the spaghetti is covered in sauce. Incorporating Cheese Now, fold in half a cup of shredded mozzarella and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This will add a nice creaminess to the dish. Make sure to mix well, but save the rest of the cheese for later. Transferring to Casserole Dish Take a 9x13 inch casserole dish and grease it lightly. Pour the spaghetti and chicken mixture into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Topping with Cheese Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. For an extra cheesy finish, add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top as well. Covering and Baking Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This helps it bake evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Finishing Baking Process After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Keep baking for another 15-20 minutes. Watch it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be golden brown. Cooling Before Serving Once it’s done, take the casserole out of the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut. Ensuring Perfect Cheese Melt To get that perfect cheese melt, mix half the cheese into the pasta. This helps it blend well. When you top it, add the rest of the cheese. This way, the top gets golden and bubbly. Avoiding a Dry Casserole Keep your casserole moist by using enough sauce. The cream of mushroom soup and marinara sauce add moisture. If you see it getting dry, cover it with foil while baking. This will lock in the steam. Adjusting Seasoning Levels Taste as you go! Start with a little salt and pepper. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. The Italian seasoning adds a nice flavor, but adjust to your taste. Presentation Tips Serve the casserole hot from the dish for a cozy feel. If you want to impress, transfer it to a nice serving platter. Ideal Accompaniments Pair your casserole with a fresh side salad. A crisp salad balances the hearty dish. Garlic bread also makes a nice side. Garnishing Ideas Add a pop of color with fresh herbs. Chopped basil or parsley looks great on top. You can also sprinkle extra cheese for a cheesy finish. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your spaghetti until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and prevent a mushy casserole. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves time on cooking. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve. {{image_4}} Using Different Proteins You can switch up the chicken in this dish. Try turkey or cooked shrimp. For a meaty flavor, use ground beef or sausage. Each option brings a new taste. Gluten-Free Alternatives If you need gluten-free, use rice pasta instead of regular spaghetti. This swap keeps the dish hearty while meeting dietary needs. You can also look for gluten-free marinara sauce and soup. Vegan Options To make this dish vegan, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup and choose vegan cheese. These swaps maintain the heartiness without animal products. Adding Spices and Herbs You can boost flavor by adding spices. Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten the dish. Incorporating Different Sauces Instead of marinara, use Alfredo or pesto sauce for a different twist. Each sauce gives the casserole a unique taste and richness. Experiment to find your favorite combination. Customizing Cheese Blend Feel free to mix your cheese options. Use gouda or pepper jack for added flavor. You can even throw in cream cheese for creaminess. The cheese blend can change the whole dish. - Best Storage Practices: Always let the casserole cool down before storing. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. - Recommended Containers: Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. You can also use aluminum foil if you don’t have containers. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. - Shelf Life Details: In the fridge, your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole will last around 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - Best Methods for Reheating: The oven is the best way to reheat this casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. - Ensuring Quality and Flavor: If you want to keep it moist, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating. This helps to bring back the creamy texture and flavor. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Yes, you can make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy for busy days. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. You can serve many tasty sides with this casserole. A crisp side salad pairs well. Garlic bread is also a favorite. You can even try steamed vegetables for a healthy touch. If you want something warm, consider a bowl of soup. Each side adds a nice balance to the meal. Freezing is simple! Once it cools, wrap the casserole in plastic wrap and then foil. Label it with the date so you know when you made it. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. This way, you have a hearty meal ready anytime! You learned how to make a delicious Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with the right ingredients and steps. We covered the main ingredients, cooking tips, and even variations to try. Remember, you can change up proteins and flavors to fit your taste. Store leftovers wisely to enjoy them later. This dish is easy, tasty, and great for sharing. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!$

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti dish with chicken and vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked spaghetti, drained
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup diced bell peppers
0.5 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent.
In a large mixing bowl, combine drained spaghetti, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables. Add marinara sauce, cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and pour the spaghetti and chicken mixture into it, spreading evenly.
Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.

Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, spaghetti