Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe 🍝🍗
Hello, food lovers! 🥰 If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish to satisfy the whole family, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into a delicious Chicken Spaghetti Casserole recipe—a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an easy meal that will bring warmth to your table and smiles to your loved ones.
Introduction
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved dish that combines the richness of spaghetti with the savory taste of chicken, all baked to perfection. It’s a timeless classic in American households and a go-to dish for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. Whether you grew up eating casseroles or are trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
The unique twist of mixing spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy sauce makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s customizable with different vegetables or cheeses, so you can make it your own. Today, we’ll guide you through every step to make sure you create the perfect Chicken Spaghetti Casserole for your family.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Chicken Spaghetti Casserole recipe, you’ll need:
- 230 g cooked spaghetti 🥄
- 450 g cooked, shredded chicken breast 🍗
- 300 g cream of chicken soup 🥫
- 240 ml chicken broth 🍲
- 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 150 g frozen peas 🥕
- 60 g diced onions 🧅
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, frozen peas, diced onions, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle.
Helpful Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:
- For added flavor, sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- You can swap out frozen peas for other veggies like corn, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time!
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh ingredients when possible to enhance the flavors, especially for the chicken and cheese.
- A food processor can help finely dice onions and garlic, saving you time in preparation.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after the main baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside:
- A crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Pair with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for an elevated dining experience.
Nutritional Information
Here is a brief summary of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Potassium: 300 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 8%
This dish offers a great balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal for both lunch and dinner.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes or bake the whole casserole at 350°F for 15 minutes until warmed through.
If you’re wondering how to use up leftovers creatively, try adding them to a wrap with some fresh spinach and avocado, or serve over a bed of greens for a quick casserole salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I substitute the chicken with turkey?
Absolutely! Turkey works just as well, especially if you have leftover holiday turkey on hand.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and ensure that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, you might love these other recipes from our collection:
Conclusion
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to bring this delicious Chicken Spaghetti Casserole to life! We hope you enjoy making and sharing it with your family. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and make it your own.
Happy cooking! 🍽