Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved dish, especially in the Southern United States, and this version inspired by The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, takes it to another level of deliciousness and comfort. Perfect for a chilly evening, a potluck gathering, or simply a satisfying family meal, this casserole is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish, look no further than this Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
Overhead view of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in a baking dish, golden brown and bubbly, ready to be served.
This recipe is adapted from the popular food blog and TV show host, The Pioneer Woman, known for her approachable and hearty home cooking. Her Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of home, family, and cozy gatherings. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a larger group.
Why Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti is a Must-Try
What makes this chicken spaghetti casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, all baked together until golden and bubbly. The tender chicken and spaghetti are enveloped in a rich sauce made with cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, enhanced by diced vegetables and pimentos for a touch of sweetness and texture. The generous amount of cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy bite that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices. It’s a fantastic base recipe to build upon and make your own family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding.
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, showcasing the creamy texture, spaghetti, chicken pieces, and melted cheese topping.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 16 oz uncooked spaghetti (pot-sized or regular spaghetti broken into thirds)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 6 cups chicken broth, for poaching chicken and cooking spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Poach Chicken: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and poach for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove chicken and let it cool slightly. Reserve 1 cup of the chicken broth for later. Chop or shred the cooked chicken.
- Cook Spaghetti: In the same chicken broth, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain the spaghetti and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, diced green pepper, diced onion, diced pimentos, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to the bowl with the spaghetti.
- Add Broth: Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken broth until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bacon Topping: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon over the top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting into servings. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti!
Close up image showing the step of dicing green peppers and onions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti.
Image showing cooked and chopped chicken, ready to be added to the Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
Image displaying uncooked spaghetti noodles, highlighting the pot-sized spaghetti option for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti.
Image of a large bowl with cooked spaghetti and chicken, illustrating the initial mixing stage of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti.
Image showing the mixing of all ingredients including soups, vegetables, cheese and seasonings for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti.
Image displaying the step of adding reserved chicken broth to the mixture for a smooth and creamy Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti.
Image of pouring Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti mixture into a greased casserole dish.
Image of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti casserole baking in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
Image of freshly baked Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti sprinkled with crispy bacon bits.
Image displaying a serving of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti on a plate, ready to be enjoyed.
Image of a person enjoying a serving of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti, expressing satisfaction with the meal.
Enjoy this delightful and easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti recipe! It’s guaranteed to become a family favorite in your home too.
