When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting casserole to bring the family together. And when it comes to classic comfort food, Chicken Spaghetti Pioneer Woman style reigns supreme. Adapted from the beloved recipe of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman herself, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in a baking dish
This Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti recipe takes the ease of a casserole and elevates it with creamy textures and savory flavors that everyone will love. It’s a dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying to eat, embodying the hearty, home-style cooking that The Pioneer Woman is famous for. If you’re searching for a recipe that’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and utterly delicious, look no further than this chicken spaghetti Pioneer Woman inspired casserole.
Why This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just any chicken spaghetti recipe; it’s inspired by The Pioneer Woman, which means it’s packed with flavor and made with real, wholesome ingredients. Here’s why you’ll want to add this chicken spaghetti Pioneer Woman recipe to your regular rotation:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken and spaghetti, this casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up from the inside out on a cold evening.
- Easy to Make: Like most casseroles, this Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti is incredibly easy to assemble. Simply cook your ingredients, mix them together, and bake. It’s a fuss-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this dish. The mild flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a potluck, a holiday dinner, or simply having friends over, this chicken spaghetti Pioneer Woman casserole is an excellent choice. It’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Meal: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it a lifesaver for busy days or when you’re preparing for a party. It also freezes beautifully, so you can always have a comforting meal on hand.
Overhead view of ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti, including diced vegetables and cooked chicken
Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s classic chicken spaghetti, offering a delicious and slightly simplified version for home cooks.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 16 oz box of Spaghetti, uncooked (pot-sized or broken into thirds)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken soup
- 2 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded, divided
- ¼ cup Green Bell Pepper, diced
- ¼ cup Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 jar (4 oz) Pimentos, diced and drained
- 6 cups Chicken Broth, for poaching chicken and cooking spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 3 slices Bacon, cooked and chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: 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 chicken breasts and poach for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove chicken and let cool slightly before chopping or shredding.
- Cook Spaghetti: In the same chicken broth, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the chicken broth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, chopped chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced green pepper, diced onion, diced pimentos, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Broth: Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken cooking broth until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top with Cheese: 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 foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into servings. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti!
Step-by-step image showing mixing ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti in a large bowl
Tips and Variations for Your Chicken Spaghetti
- Spice it Up: If you like a little more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy. Mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even cooked peas or corn would be delicious additions.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all work well.
- Creamier Casserole: For an even creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking.
- Bacon Lovers Rejoice: Don’t skimp on the bacon topping! It adds a wonderful smoky flavor and crispy texture that complements the creamy casserole perfectly. You can even mix some bacon bits into the casserole itself.
Enjoy the Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti Magic
This chicken spaghetti Pioneer Woman recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the taste of home-cooked comfort, perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that will become a family favorite for years to come. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a festive holiday, this Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti casserole is sure to bring smiles to your table.
