Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves

This Chicken Spaghetti is comfort food at its finest, combining tender chicken, savory seasonings, and melty cheddar cheese with spaghetti noodles. Perfect for weeknights or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead or freeze for later.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup green pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
• 2 cups chicken broth (reserved from cooking chicken)
• 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Boil one cut-up fryer chicken in a large pot until cooked through. Remove the chicken, reserve 2 cups of broth, and shred meat to measure 2 cups.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: In the same broth, cook spaghetti until al dente (do not overcook).
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, pimentos, reserved broth, seasoned salt, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
5. Bake or Store:
   • Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly. If the cheese starts to over-brown, cover with foil.
   • Store: Cover and freeze for up to 6 months or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the meat to measure about 2 cups.

2. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken soup works well as a substitute if you’re not a fan of mushrooms.

3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Assemble it in a casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to add veggies like diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or even broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Cover and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded, giving the dish a creamier texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Spaghetti should be al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch more cayenne if you like a bit of heat, or try mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes.