Description

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente spaghetti, creamy soup, vibrant bell peppers, and a generous layer of melted sharp cheddar cheese, this casserole combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an easy one-dish meal that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Pasta

1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (can substitute shrimp or mushrooms)
8 oz Spaghetti (gluten-free pasta can be used as alternative)

Cheese & Dairy

2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Monterey Jack can be used for milder flavor)
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (cream of mushroom soup for vegetarian version)

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 cup Fresh Bell Peppers, chopped (any color)
0.25 cup Green Onions, sliced (can substitute chopped parsley)

Spices & Seasonings

1 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika for deeper flavor)
0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking, ensuring easy cleanup and no sticking during baking.
Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add the boneless chicken breasts. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cook Spaghetti: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and coated.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken and spaghetti mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a flavorful cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions to add a fresh and vibrant touch.

Notes

You can substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms to accommodate dietary preferences.
Gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-free version of the dish.
For a vegetarian option, swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup and use mushrooms instead of chicken.
Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Using smoked paprika will deepen the flavor, but regular paprika works well too.
Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for added flavor.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.