Name: Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
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 Diced pimentos, drained (4 oz); 2 cups Chicken broth (reserved from cooking chicken); 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt; 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves—now, doesn’t that name just make you smile? It almost begs the question: who started this tradition of naming dishes after their irresistible, universal appeal? I think the secret is right in the taste. After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and let me tell you, this cheesy, chicken-packed casserole truly wins hearts at every table.

Maybe it’s the creamy sauce or those pops of pimentos that seal the deal. Why not whip it up yourself and see if your family joins the ranks of its loyal fans?

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Casserole

First and foremost, the creamy richness of Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves is the ultimate comfort food. The satisfying cheese pull, mixed with juicy shredded chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creates a cozy, welcoming dish that’s both budget-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Making this at home means you skip the cost (and calories) of takeout, plus you get to savor the flavors exactly the way you like! The star toppings—sharp cheddar cheese and bright pimentos—give each bite a little zing, while the use of seasoned salt and cayenne pepper adds just the right kick.

For another one-dish meal packed with flavor, check out my Chicken Alfredo Bake. Once you try making this spaghetti casserole, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to join the fan club!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves stands out for its simplicity, dazzling taste, and creamy, cheesy texture. It only takes a few straightforward steps and about an hour from start to finish (most of it hands-off), making it perfect for busy nights or meal prepping in advance.

The combination of ingredients means your casserole will come out bubbling, golden, and ready to serve with minimal effort—and maximum flavor.

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 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Place one cut-up fryer chicken in a large pot. Cover with water and boil until fully cooked. Remove chicken, reserve 2 cups of broth, and shred or chop 2 cups of meat.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Using the reserved chicken broth, boil the spaghetti pieces until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, pimentos, reserved broth, seasoned salt, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can refrigerate this unbaked casserole for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

What to Serve With Chicken Spaghetti

Make your meal complete with simple, tasty sides that pair perfectly with this cheesy casserole:

Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
Sweet corn on the cob or baked sweet potatoes
A refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea

Keep it easy and comforting with flavors that complement without overpowering.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Swap the soup: Cream of chicken or homemade béchamel are great if you want to switch it up.
Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie or meal-prep chicken saves you time.
Don’t overcook the pasta: It continues to soften in the oven.
Add heat: A pinch more cayenne or red pepper flakes for spice lovers.
Get cheesy: Try Colby jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella if cheddar’s not your favorite.
Test seasoning: Always taste before baking and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Assemble (unbaked) casserole, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheating

Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot (about 25–30 minutes if reheating the whole dish).
Microwave: For individual servings, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, linguine, or elbow macaroni work well. Just break into smaller pieces before cooking.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Try cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade white sauce.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

What if my casserole seems dry after baking?
Add a splash of reserved broth or cover with foil next time to lock in moisture.

Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or even diced zucchini are great add-ins.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves isn’t just a catchy name—it’s a promise of comfort and flavor in every cheesy, chicken-filled bite. With its easy prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and crowd-pleasing taste, this is one casserole you’ll want on repeat for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Give it a try tonight and discover why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation—for a dish that really does get rave reviews from everyone!