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Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Comfort Casserole

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A cozy, creamy chicken spaghetti casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, a blend of cheeses, and a homemade creamy sauce. Perfect for quick, comforting dinners and crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
  • 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk for a lighter option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of broken spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the cooked spaghetti, sautéed veggies, and 3 cups shredded cooked chicken to the sauce mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Fold in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, reserving a small handful for topping later.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the spaghetti; al dente noodles hold up better in the casserole. Adding a splash of milk before baking can keep the casserole creamy if it looks dry. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach chicken breasts for fresh flavor. The recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by swapping pasta and dairy ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken spaghetti casserole, creamy chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, rotisserie chicken recipe

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-chicken-spaghetti-comfort-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/