Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This Chicken Spaghetti combines tender, shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese with pasta, making it a perfect comfort food for family dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and freezes well for later enjoyment.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup green pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
• 2 cups chicken broth (reserved from cooking chicken)
• 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/8–1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Boil a whole cut-up fryer chicken in a large pot of water until cooked through (about 30–40 minutes).
   • Remove the chicken from the pot, reserve 2 cups of broth, and set aside. Shred the chicken meat to measure 2 cups.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • In the same pot, use the reserved chicken broth to cook the dry spaghetti until al dente (be careful not to overcook). Drain and set aside.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, pimentos, reserved chicken broth, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble:
   • Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly over the top.
5. Bake or Store:
   • Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. If the cheese starts to over-brown, cover with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
   • Store: If you prefer to make it ahead, cover the casserole and freeze for up to 6 months, or refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

Tips for Success:

• Extra Creaminess: Add a little extra cream cheese or sour cream for a richer texture.
• Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Make It Even Cheesier: You can top the casserole with additional cheese or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for an extra cheesy crust.

Storage:

• Freezing: If freezing, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. To bake from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake according to the instructions.
• Refrigeration: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is an all-time favorite for its comforting, cheesy goodness. It’s quick to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you bake it fresh or freeze it for later, this dish is sure to satisfy. 🍗🧀🍝