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Southern chicken spaghetti casserole featured image showcasing a creamy, cheesy pasta bake with tender chicken and a golden-brown topping.
Isabella

BEST Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this casserole is baked to golden perfection and guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper optional
  • Dash of hot sauce optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Oven
  • Stirring spoon or spatula
  • knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the spaghetti is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the chopped onion (and green bell pepper, if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl (or the same skillet after removing from heat), combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, diced pimentos, and softened cream cheese.
  6. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you're feeling brave, add a dash of hot sauce for a little zing!
  7. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the sauce mixture.
  9. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
  10. Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken and sauce mixture.
  11. Gently toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated.
  12. Pour the spaghetti mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  13. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) evenly over the top of the casserole.
  14. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
  15. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

To prevent spaghetti from sticking, toss it with a little olive oil or butter after draining. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. For a spicier dish, add more diced tomatoes and green chilies, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.