Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
This hearty and comforting chicken spaghetti casserole is the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds. With tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, sour cream, and a cheesy top layer, it’s a family-friendly favorite perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. The bell pepper and onion add a nice texture, while the garlic and paprika offer a subtle kick of flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat.
3. Mix the Sauce Base
In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Chicken and Vegetables
Fold in the shredded chicken and the sautéed vegetables. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
5. Add the Spaghetti
Add the cooked and drained spaghetti into the sauce mixture and toss gently to combine. Make sure the pasta is well coated.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a side salad or steamed green beans for a complete meal. Garlic bread makes a great pairing as well.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to bring back the creaminess.
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped cooked bacon
- Diced jalapeños for extra heat
- Frozen peas or corn for extra veggies
- Extra cheese layered inside for extra gooeyness