This chicken spaghetti casserole is super easy to make, is loaded with deliciously seasoned chicken, spaghetti noodles, a scrumptious sauce, and lots of cheese.
If you know me, you know I love casseroles. I make casseroles for almost any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to potlucks and holiday get-togethers. If a casserole can be made, I’m probably the one to make it. I just love them. Sure, they’re easy to make, but there’s so much more to them. When people see a casserole, they see comfort. They know they’re about to eat something delicious that’s all about flavor and not being fancy. Casseroles are dishes of both flavor and nostalgia because we’ve all grown up with them. So I take every opportunity I can to make them.
Over the years, I’ve made all kinds of casseroles, but one of my favorites is this chicken spaghetti casserole. It’s so different from the normal creamy, potato-based casseroles that most of us know. It’s the perfect marriage of spaghetti and casserole that comes together into one dish that is full of flavor and all the feels.
Easy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This casserole is exactly what the name suggests. It’s basically spaghetti that’s been cooked in a casserole dish. Every slice is densely packed with spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, chicken, and an absolute truckload of cheese. When you serve up a plate of this spaghetti casserole, you’re serving up just about everyone’s childhood in a casserole form. But wait, there’s more – as they say on midnight infomercials – this casserole also boasts a kick of heat with cajun seasoning and a creamier sauce with the addition of cream soup. One bite and you’ll be hooked.
Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the Perfect Comfort Food
When I think of comfort food, I think of two things: casserole and spaghetti. What happens when you combine the two? Well, you get the perfect comfort food! All that delicious spaghetti flavor combines with the chicken and the creamed soup to create a dish that is equal parts traditional casserole and traditional spaghetti, which transforms into the ultimate in hearty, delicious, feel-good food that everyone loves.
Hearty Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
The addition of the chicken is what really makes this casserole pop for me. The tender chicken breast combines perfectly with the noodles and the sauce, making a flavor and texture that is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to potlucks. I really haven’t been able to duplicate the vibe I get with this casserole with any other that I’ve ever made.
FAQ
Before you rush into this recipe, take a minute to read this handy dandy FAQ. It answers all the most commonly asked questions about this delicious casserole, so it pays to give these a read.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works very well and adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
What veggies can I use in this casserole?
You can use any vegetables that you’d normally pair with an Italian or Italian-inspired dish. Some of my favorite vegetables to add to this dish include:
- Green Bell Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Eggplant
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes! One of the best parts of this recipe is how convenient it is. You can make this a day ahead of time and then heat it up when you get to your event or when it’s time for dinner.
How long does it take to cook spaghetti casserole?
It takes about an hour to an hour and twenty minutes from start to finish to make this casserole.
What can I serve with chicken spaghetti casserole?
If you’ve added vegetables to your casserole, I recommend a simple side salad. After all, this casserole is an entire meal on its own. If you didn’t add vegetables, pairing it with green beans, asparagus, brussels sprouts, zucchini, squash, or broccoli works well.
Variations
Because this casserole is made with noodles and is so forgiving, you have several options to make this recipe your own. These are all easy tweaks that allow you to fully customize your casserole each and every time.
Different Noodles
I use spaghetti noodles for this casserole, but you can use any noodle you like. From angel hair to ziti and everything in between, any noodle at all will work well in this dish.
Add Vegetables
Adding vegetables is a great way to kick up the flavor of this dish. Add any of your favorite vegetables to this dish to make it your own. Any vegetables will work, but I recommend classics like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, squash, and eggplant.
Different Cheese
For this recipe we are using Mozzarella cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, and even Monterey Jack will work with this recipe.
Storage
This chicken spaghetti casserole will keep well in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for three to five days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.
How to Reheat Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
To reheat this casserole from refrigerated or frozen, simply place it in an oven at 350 degrees until heated through.
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Ingredients
It only takes a few simple kitchen staples to make this recipe. From the crushed tomatoes to the mozzarella cheese, you probably have most if not all of these ingredients in your kitchen already. What you don’t have is easily found in any grocery store.
- Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- Onion, chopped
- Cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Tomato sauce
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Chicken broth
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Spaghetti noodles,
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Making this casserole is a relatively straightforward affair. If you can boil water and use a skillet, then you can make this chicken spaghetti casserole. It’s so easy, even beginners can make it.
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and spray a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente, drain and set aside. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Chop the onions and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, onions and seasonings, stir. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour the tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and mushroom soup into the pan with the cooked chicken, stirring until combined. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for thirty minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Bake
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce then transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and cover with foil, then bake until the cheese is melted. Serve hot and enjoy!
Try This Baked Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Today
This chicken spaghetti casserole is easy to make and so full of delicious flavor. It’s the best combination if you need to feed a hungry family or a crowd. The flavors work so well together, you’ll watch everyone come back for seconds and probably thirds. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure you’ll find it becomes a regular part of your rotation.
More Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy
Malibu Chicken – This delicious Sizzler® Copycat recipe has been a favorite for so many years. Breaded and fried boneless chicken breast, topped with Swiss cheese, ham and Swiss cheese again. Absolutely delicious and a recipe I crave and make often.
Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken – Using a crock pot is the best! This delicious chicken recipe is loaded with flavor and is a popular slow cooker recipes on the blog.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites – And these little bites of deliciousness are just that… delicious! They make the best appetizer. Made with bite size pieces of crunchy fried chicken, topped with cheese and ham. And the dipping sauce is incredible.
And this Easy Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya from Deliciously Seasoned. It’s definitely a keeper!
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and spray a 13×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium high heat.
- Add chicken and onions to the pan and cook until chicken is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Pour tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and mushroom soup into chicken mixture. Stir until combined.
- Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add pasta, stir to combine then spoon into prepared baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese, cover with aluminum foil and bake until cheese is melted, approximately 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the oven.
- Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread.
Nutrition
Here are a few pics that are perfect to save to your favorite Pinterest boards.
Enjoy, Terri
Copyright © Great Grub, Delicious Treats. All content and images are copyright protected. Do not use any images without prior permission.
If you want to republish this recipe, make sure to re-write the recipe in your own words and only list ingredients making sure to link back to this post for the original recipe and directions.
