ULTIMATE CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Picture this: a bubbling, cheesy casserole, overflowing with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all bathed in a creamy, flavorful sauce. That’s the magic of Easy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, a dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly simple to whip up. Forget complicated recipes and endless prep time, because I’m about to share my foolproof method for creating this Southern classic that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Get ready to experience a taste of home-cooked heaven that’s easier than you think!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create this Southern comfort food masterpiece. Don’t worry if you need to make a few substitutions – this recipe is very forgiving!

For the Chicken and Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste – remember, Velveeta is salty!)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step to Southern Casserole Bliss

Let’s get down to the fun part! This recipe is surprisingly easy, and I’ll guide you through every step.

Preparing the Spaghetti and Veggies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook it! Al dente is best, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Creating the Creamy, Cheesy Sauce:

1. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), Velveeta cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Microwave the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute, until the Velveeta cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. You can also do this on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
2. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese and, if desired, crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs.

Baking to Golden Perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
2. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth!

Secrets to a Scrumptious Casserole: My Pro Tips

Want to take your Easy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole from good to absolutely AMAZING? Here are a few of my favorite tricks:

• Don’t overcook the spaghetti! As I mentioned earlier, al dente is the way to go. Soggy spaghetti is a casserole killer.
• Use good quality cheese. Velveeta gets a bad rap sometimes, but its melting properties are perfect for this dish. If you prefer, you can substitute it with a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Rotisserie chicken is your friend. It saves time and adds tons of flavor. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
• Spice it up! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Add some veggies! Feel free to customize the vegetable mix. Mushrooms, corn, or peas would also be delicious additions.
• Make it ahead! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

The Chicken Choice: Rotisserie vs. Homemade

One of the biggest time-savers in this recipe is using rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient, pre-cooked, and packed with flavor. However, if you prefer, you can absolutely use homemade chicken! Just boil or bake a few chicken breasts, shred them, and you’re good to go. Sometimes I’ll even use leftover chicken from my MILLION DOLLAR CHICKEN CASSEROLE for an extra layer of flavor!

Cheese, Please! Exploring Cheesy Variations

While cheddar is a classic choice for the topping, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds a creamy, mild flavor. For a sharper taste, try using Colby Jack or even a bit of pepper jack. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory note. And if you decide to make ULTIMATE CREAMY CHICKEN TETRAZZINI, you could even steal some cheese topping tips from that recipe!

Turning Leftovers into Lunchbox Gold

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and trust me, they’ll disappear fast!), this Easy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole makes a fantastic lunch. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. Pack it in a thermos for a warm and comforting meal on the go. You can even repurpose it into a completely new dish. Just add some extra broth and simmer it on the stovetop for a delicious and hearty soup. This is just as easy as making Chicken Pasta but in casserole form!

Casserole Cousins: Exploring Similar Dishes

If you love the concept of this casserole, you might also enjoy exploring other similar dishes. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is another classic comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It shares the same creamy sauce base and tender chicken, but substitutes rice for spaghetti. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, or just want to switch things up. The ease of this is similar to Chicken Pasta or even Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole!

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Easy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Lady Maria

Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It features tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large Pot
• Colander
• large skillet
• Large bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
• measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
3. While spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
6. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), Velveeta cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Microwave the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute, until the Velveeta cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Alternatively, melt on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.
8. Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to combine.
9. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese and, if desired, crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
12. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. To spice things up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.