Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves is the ultimate comfort food casserole—bursting with creamy richness, tender chicken, bright pops of pimento, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that warms the soul, gathers everyone around the table, and leaves no leftovers behind. This recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and Sunday dinners, combining just the right amount of cozy nostalgia with every forkful. If you’ve been looking for a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free dinner that guarantees second helpings, this is the casserole to bookmark!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how simple ingredients come together to create such a beloved classic. Each element in this recipe has a special job—adding depth, creaminess, color, or that irresistible cheesy factor to your Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups): Tender, juicy chicken is the heart of the dish—leftovers or rotisserie chicken both work beautifully.
- Dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces (3 cups): Breaking the pasta ensures even mixing and perfect forkfuls packed with goodness.
- Cream of mushroom soup (2 cans): This classic shortcut adds instant creaminess and blends all the flavors together.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups, divided): Sharp cheddar delivers savory depth and that gooey top everyone wants.
- Green pepper, finely diced (1/4 cup): Brightens the dish, adding a pop of color and subtle crunch.
- Onion, finely diced (1/4 cup): Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic foundation to every bite.
- Diced pimentos, drained (1 jar, 4 oz): These give a splash of classic Southern flair and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Chicken broth (2 cups reserved from cooking the chicken): Uses every bit of flavor from the initial cooking and keeps things extra moist.
- Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (1 tsp): The secret seasoning blend that wakes up the whole dish.
- Cayenne pepper (1/8-1/4 tsp): Optional, but gives just the right flutter of gentle heat.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Finish with just a shake or two to balance and lift the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by boiling one cut-up fryer chicken in a large pot until it’s beautifully cooked through and the meat is tender. Don’t rush this step—gentle simmering ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. Once done, set aside the cooked chicken and carefully reserve 2 cups of that golden broth. Shred or chop the chicken to measure out 2 cups—this is now your flavor-packed centerpiece!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti in Chicken Broth
Don’t pour that savory broth down the drain! Bring it back to a boil and toss in the broken spaghetti. Cooking the pasta directly in the chicken broth infuses every strand with rich flavor and keeps the texture spot-on. You want the spaghetti just al dente, as it’ll finish cooking in the oven—no mushy noodles allowed!
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients Together
Now for the fun part: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, both cans of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of the grated cheddar, diced green pepper, onion, drained pimentos, reserved chicken broth, Lawry’s seasoned salt, a dash (or two!) of cayenne, plus salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together, making sure the cheesy, creamy goodness coats every bite. This is the magic that makes Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves so special.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the combined mixture into your favorite casserole dish—don’t worry if it looks a bit saucy, that just means it’ll be extra moist. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, ensuring you’ll get that classic golden, bubbly crust that everyone loves to scoop into.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the casserole dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and let the magic happen for 45 minutes. As it bakes, the cheese melts to golden perfection and the flavors meld together in spectacular fashion. If the cheese starts getting a little too brown before time’s up, just lay a sheet of foil on top so it stays perfectly gooey.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a bright, fresh flavor and makes the casserole look irresistibly inviting. You can also top with a handful of crispy fried onions, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even extra melted cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. The finishing touches make Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves ready for both casual family dinners and special gatherings.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy casserole with something fresh to balance out those rich flavors—think a bright side salad with a tangy vinaigrette, simple steamed green beans, or crunchy garlic bread. These sides complement the dish and make your dinner feel complete, ensuring everyone at the table has seconds (or thirds!).
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, scoop Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves into individual ramekins or muffin tins for charming, easy-to-serve portions. Or, spoon it straight from the baking dish onto rustic plates for a cozy, family-style meal. Don’t be shy about embracing the homey casserole aesthetic—the gooey cheese and colorful pimentos are show-stoppers in themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves keeps incredibly well in the fridge, making it the perfect candidate for leftovers. Simply cover your casserole dish or transfer portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making microwaved leftovers a delicious treat.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, chicken spaghetti is a dream to freeze. Assemble everything right up to the baking step, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 6 months. When you’re ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed. You can even freeze baked leftovers for convenient single servings—just be sure to wrap properly to keep out freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until it’s warmed through and bubbly—about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your portion size. For single servings, a few minutes in the microwave does the trick. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore that creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not just a timesaver, but it also brings extra flavor. Just make sure to use about 2 cups of shredded meat. You’ll need store-bought chicken broth to replace the cooking liquid.
What if I don’t have Lawry’s Seasoned Salt?
If Lawry’s isn’t in your pantry, you can create a similar flavor by blending regular salt with a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will give you a close match to that signature savory kick.
Can I add vegetables to Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves?
Of course! Feel free to stir in peas, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted broccoli for a veggie boost. Just be sure not to overload the casserole, as you want to keep the creamy texture and classic flavors front and center.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten free?
Yes, you can use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and a certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. This way, Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves can be enjoyed by everyone—regardless of dietary needs.
Can I make Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze it for even longer. Bake it straight from the fridge or after thawing from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time to ensure it’s heated through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to put a guaranteed hit on your weekly dinner rotation, Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves is the recipe to try. Its creamy, cheesy goodness and familiar, homey flavors will win you fans at every table. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or making it just for yourself, this classic casserole delivers joy in every bite. Give it a go—you’ll see why it’s the dish everyone keeps coming back for!
