Easy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Serves 6
Serves 6
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 16 oz sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 lb broken and cooked to al dente spaghetti
- 4 cups cooked cubed or shredded chicken (approx) i used
- 1 oz ) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup challenge butter melted
- 1 tbsp dried parsley (or 2-3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley)
- 3/4 cup italian breadcrumbs
- Carbohydrate 387.689720665768 g
- Cholesterol 501.245836452551 mg
- Fat 215.66043816936 g
- Fiber 23.0936556411404 g
- Protein 144.209098216496 g
- Saturated Fat 108.338370150173 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2343g)
- Sodium 15268.5894992444 mg
- Sugar 364.596065024628 g
- Trans Fat 19.4477305221823 g
- Calories 4066 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°
- In a large pot cook spaghetti (broken in half) to al dente, according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, shred or cube cooked chicken and place in a large bowl.
- Mix in Cream of chicken soup, tomato sauce, melted butter, sour cream, parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. Stir until chicken is coated and combined.
- When pasta is cooked, drain and place pasta in the bowl with the chicken mixture and mix until evenly combined.
- Place mixture in a 9x13 baking dish. Top with grated cheese.
- Combine remaining 2 Tbsp melted butter and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly on top of cheese.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until bubbly and breadcrumbs have browned.
- Remove from oven, let sit for 10 minutes and serve
Easy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is my go-to recipe when I need a comforting, delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It's incredibly versatile – I often adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand, and it always turns out fantastic.
The best part? It's incredibly forgiving. If your spaghetti is a little overcooked? No problem! Don't have fresh parsley? Dried works perfectly. This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, where flexibility and flavor are key. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The kids love it, my husband raves about it, and even I have to admit – it's the kind of comfort food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It's not fussy, it doesn't require any special techniques, and the cleanup is minimal – a huge plus on busy evenings. I often prep some of the ingredients ahead of time, like shredding the chicken earlier in the day, to save even more time. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping, too. Just assemble it in the morning, pop it in the fridge and bake it when you're ready for dinner.
Beyond the Basics: Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Add different vegetables, like diced mushrooms or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrients. You could also use different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or a blend of Italian cheeses. If you want a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability.
Serving Suggestions: This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the delicious creamy sauce. A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would also complement the flavors beautifully.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! It’s a true weeknight lifesaver, a perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. It’s the kind of dish that will quickly become a staple in your family's dinner rotation. It’s warm, comforting, and undeniably satisfying, the perfect ending to a busy day.
Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. This will save you even more precious time on busy weeknights.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a shortcut to family togetherness. It's the kind of dish that brings everyone around the table, fosters conversation, and creates lasting memories. And isn’t that what cooking is all about?
