Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
This hearty, baked chicken spaghetti casserole is a family favorite that hits all the right notes! After years of experimentation, I finally crafted a recipe that combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes - all enveloped in a creamy, rich sauce. The addition of melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese on top creates a deliciously cheesy crust that my kids can’t resist. Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your household!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans
Original Rotel Tomatoes
2 (10 ounce) cans
Chicken Broth
1 cup
McCormick's Spaghetti Sauce Mix
2 (1 3/8 ounce) packages (dry in envelope)
Garlic Salt
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Green Bell Pepper
1/3 cup (chopped)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Chicken Breasts
5 (boiled and cut into bite-sized pieces (can substitute with thighs))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, break the spaghetti into halves or thirds, then cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, spaghetti sauce mix, garlic salt, pepper, chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, and the bite-sized pieces of boiled chicken. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
4
Grease a large baking dish with cooking spray, then pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
5
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7
Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting chicken spaghetti casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
It is a hearty, baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce with a zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes and cheddar cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole bakes for a total of 60 minutes: 45 minutes covered with foil and an additional 15 minutes uncovered.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for the 5 chicken breasts mentioned in the recipe.
What type of soup is used for the base?
The recipe calls for two 10.75-ounce cans of cream of mushroom soup.
Is this spaghetti casserole spicy?
It has a zesty kick thanks to the addition of Rotel tomatoes and spaghetti sauce mix.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a delicious crust.
Do I need to cook the spaghetti before assembling?
Yes, the spaghetti should be broken into pieces and cooked until al dente according to package instructions before mixing.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be boiled and then cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the mixture.
What size cans of Rotel tomatoes are needed?
You will need two 10-ounce cans of Original Rotel tomatoes.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish includes 1/3 cup of chopped green bell pepper and 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
What is the role of chicken broth in this recipe?
One cup of chicken broth is used to help create a creamy, moist sauce for the pasta.
Which seasonings are used in the casserole?
The recipe uses garlic salt, black pepper, and two packages of McCormick's Spaghetti Sauce Mix.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.
How should I store leftover casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, grease a large baking dish with cooking spray before adding the spaghetti mixture.
Is the spaghetti sauce mix used wet or dry?
The McCormick's Spaghetti Sauce Mix should be used dry, straight from the envelope.
Can I add extra cheese to the recipe?
Yes, you can increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese if you prefer an even cheesier topping.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is bubbly and has become slightly golden.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional for this recipe, you can use other shapes like fettuccine or linguine if needed.
Why do I need to break the spaghetti?
Breaking the spaghetti into halves or thirds makes it easier to mix and serve within a casserole format.
Can I freeze this chicken spaghetti?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, the creamy sauce and melted cheese make it a favorite for children and picky eaters.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives.
How long should the casserole rest after baking?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Can I reduce the spice level?
To make it milder, you can use 'Mild' Rotel tomatoes instead of the 'Original' version.
How much spaghetti is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of spaghetti.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include chicken spaghetti, casserole, baked pasta, family recipe, and comfort food.