If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, look no further than My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s packed with flavor and just a touch of spice. It’s the kind of recipe that brings a warm hug of deliciousness with every bite and turns any ordinary night into a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From sharp cheddar cheese that melts beautifully to pimentos adding a pop of color and subtle sweetness, everything comes together to create balance and mouthwatering goodness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base with tender, flavorful bites.
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into two-inch pieces: The perfect pasta shape to soak up the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy depth and a subtle earthy note to the sauce.
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a rich, tangy flavor that melts into every corner of the casserole.
- 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper: Adds a crisp texture and fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Provides aromatic sweetness that rounds out the savory ingredients.
- 1 jar (4-ounce) diced pimentos, drained: Contributes a mild, vibrant color and subtle sweetness to brighten the dish.
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot: Enhances moisture and infuses the spaghetti with savory chicken flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: Balances seasoning with herbs and spices for a professional finish.
- 1/8 teaspoon (to 1/4 teaspoon) cayenne pepper: Infuses just a hint of spicy warmth to elevate the taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to perfect the overall flavor balance.
- 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly, irresistibly cheesy crust.
How to Make My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by cooking a whole fryer chicken, then carefully pick the meat off the bones until you have two full cups of tender chicken pieces. This homemade step ensures your chicken is juicy and flavorful — far better than store-bought shredded alternatives.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Use the reserved chicken broth from cooking your chicken to boil the broken spaghetti pieces. Cooking pasta in broth, rather than plain water, is a game changer because your noodles absorb extra savory goodness while cooking. Be sure to cook it until just al dente to avoid mushy pasta later.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, onion, drained pimentos, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Fold in your cooked chicken last, making sure every strand of pasta is coated beautifully in the creamy, cheesy mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the combined mixture into a casserole pan, spreading it evenly for consistent baking. Then generously top the whole dish with the remaining 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese. This final cheesy layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust that everyone will swoon over.
Step 5: Bake or Store
You can bake immediately at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden. If the cheese starts browning too quickly, tent the dish with foil to prevent burning. Alternatively, cover and freeze for up to six months or refrigerate for a couple of days. This flexibility makes it perfect for busy weeknights or batch cooking.
How to Serve My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that contrasts the rich, creamy casserole. For a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions on top create irresistible texture.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with bright, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Light, tangy coleslaw also balances the richness while adding variety to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins to impress guests. Another creative idea is layering the spaghetti casserole in clear glass baking dishes to showcase its colorful layers — a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This meal reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for next-day lunches or dinners without compromising flavor or texture.
Freezing
My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Cover the casserole tightly or freeze individual portions for up to six months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, usually about 20–25 minutes. This method helps maintain moisture and keeps the cheesy top from becoming too tough. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can sometimes dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a fryer chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and works wonderfully, just be sure to use about two cups of shredded chicken to keep the recipe balanced.
Is it necessary to break the spaghetti into smaller pieces?
Breaking the spaghetti into two-inch pieces helps it blend more evenly with the creamy sauce, making it easier to eat and creating a better texture throughout the casserole.
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup with another soup?
You can try cream of chicken soup for a slight flavor change, but cream of mushroom adds a unique earthiness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
How spicy is the cayenne in this recipe?
The amount of cayenne pepper is adjustable; 1/8 teaspoon gives a gentle warmth while 1/4 teaspoon delivers a noticeable kick without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to tweak it according to your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms or additional veggies can help maintain the heartiness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you try My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe soon. It’s truly a dish that brings comfort and joy with its creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken in every bite. Whether for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with something simple yet incredible, this recipe delivers every time. Happy cooking!
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My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken Spaghetti casserole featuring tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful blend of vegetables and seasonings, perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into two-inch pieces
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup for mixing, 1 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 jar (4-ounce) diced pimentos, drained
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook and shred chicken: Start by cooking one cut-up fryer chicken thoroughly. Once cooked, pick out the meat to yield approximately two cups of shredded chicken, setting it aside for later use.
- Prepare spaghetti: Using the reserved chicken broth, cook the broken spaghetti pieces until al dente, taking care not to overcook them so they hold their texture in the casserole.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, diced onion, drained diced pimentos, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into a casserole pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake or store: You can cover the casserole and freeze it for up to six months or refrigerate for up to two days. To serve immediately, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until bubbly. If the cheese topping begins to brown too quickly during baking, cover with foil to prevent burning.
Notes
- Spaghetti should be cooked al dente to maintain texture in the casserole.
- Freezing the assembled casserole allows for easy meal prep and storage.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- If cheese browns too fast, covering with foil will provide an even melt without burning.
- This dish serves well as leftovers and can be reheated cleanly in the oven or microwave.
