Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Pasta:

• 8 ounces spaghetti (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix-ins and Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt.
• Cook the spaghetti until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
• Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

• If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Then shred the chicken.
• If using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, simply shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
• Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in sour cream if desired.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, diced vegetables (if using), and about ¾ of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
• Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
• Lightly sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.

Step 7: Bake

• Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort!

Tips for Success

1. Customize your veggies: Add mushrooms, peas, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the assembly step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Cheese options: Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little kick.
4. Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for meal prep.

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Its combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and rich sauce makes it a dish everyone will love. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

If you want, I can also create a shortcut version of this recipe for a 30-minute “quick bake” chicken spaghetti casserole that’s just as creamy and delicious. Do you want me to do that?