Why Make This Recipe
Creamy & Cozy Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners. It’s comforting, filling, and brings the warmth of Southern cooking to your table. This casserole is not only simple to make but also uses ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
How to Make Creamy & Cozy Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth or pasta water, if needed
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the spaghetti noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sautéed onion, diced tomatoes with chilies, garlic powder, and 1½ cups of cheese. Mix well.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and the cooked spaghetti. Add chicken broth or pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Enjoy hot and cheesy straight from the oven!
How to Serve Creamy & Cozy Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
You can serve this chicken spaghetti casserole as a main dish. It pairs well with a fresh salad or some warm, crusty bread on the side. For a complete meal, consider adding some steamed vegetables.
How to Store Creamy & Cozy Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3–4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake until heated through. If necessary, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Creamy & Cozy Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- For extra flavor, consider adding some spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.
- If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Variation
You can make this casserole even more nutritious by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach. Just sauté them with the onion before adding to the mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat spaghetti for regular spaghetti if you prefer a healthier option.
2. Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
3. Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you enjoy.
Creamy & Cozy Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
A delightful and comforting Southern casserole made with spaghetti, chicken, and cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth or pasta water, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the spaghetti noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sautéed onion, diced tomatoes with chilies, garlic powder, and 1½ cups of cheese. Mix well.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and the cooked spaghetti. Add chicken broth or pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Enjoy hot and cheesy straight from the oven!
Notes
This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or warm crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg