Louisiana nights dipping into the 30s? That’s a call for comfort food! And what screams comfort more than a warm, cheesy casserole? This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, inspired by the queen of comfort cooking herself, The Pioneer Woman, is a guaranteed family pleaser. Perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve up a hearty, crowd-favorite dish, this recipe simplifies the classic Southern casserole, making it easy for anyone to whip up. Forget complicated meals, this is about pure, unadulterated, cheesy, chickeny goodness.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, golden brown and bubbly, served in a white casserole dish.
This isn’t just another casserole; it’s an adaptation of the renowned Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti, known for its creamy texture and satisfying flavors. We’ve taken that beloved base and made it even more accessible and weeknight-friendly. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich and creamy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. Ready to bring this comforting classic to your table? Let’s get cooking!
Why This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Works
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s designed for success, even for beginner cooks. Here’s why you’ll love making this Pioneer Woman inspired chicken spaghetti casserole:
- Easy to Follow: Like most great casseroles, this recipe is all about mixing and baking. Simple steps and clear instructions ensure a stress-free cooking experience.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The combination of chicken, spaghetti, and creamy cheese sauce is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s comfort food at its finest.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks where you want to get a head start.
- Adaptable: Easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own signature chicken spaghetti casserole.
- Uses Simple Ingredients: You likely already have many of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator, making it a convenient and budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients for Your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole. We’ve kept the ingredients straightforward and readily available:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small). Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for easy preparation.
- Spaghetti: 16 oz box of uncooked spaghetti. You can use regular spaghetti, broken in half or thirds, or “pot-sized” spaghetti for convenience.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup. This provides a classic creamy base for the sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup. Adding cream of chicken soup enhances the chicken flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Sharp cheddar provides a robust cheesy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper. Adds a touch of freshness and mild pepper flavor.
- Onion: 1/4 cup diced onion. Essential for building flavor in the sauce.
- Pimentos: 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained. Pimentos add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chicken Broth: 1 1/2 boxes (about 6 cups) chicken broth. Used for poaching the chicken and cooking the spaghetti, infusing both with flavor.
- Seasoned Salt: 1 teaspoon seasoned salt. Adds a balanced savory flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. For a subtle kick of heat, if desired.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Bacon: 3 slices cooked and chopped bacon, for topping. Bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to the finished casserole.
Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole laid out on a wooden countertop, including cans of soup, uncooked spaghetti, shredded cheese, diced vegetables, and chicken breasts.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Pioneer Woman inspired chicken spaghetti casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Poach Chicken: In a large pot, bring 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, according to package directions. Drain spaghetti, reserving 1 cup of the chicken broth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, chopped chicken, diced green pepper, diced onion, diced pimentos, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Broth: Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken cooking broth until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour into Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish.
- 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 begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Add Bacon: In the last few minutes of baking, or right after removing from the oven, sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon over the top of the casserole.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting into servings. Serve warm and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!
Step-by-step photos showing the process of making Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, including cooking chicken, mixing ingredients, pouring into a dish, and baking until bubbly.
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Tips and Variations for Your Chicken Spaghetti
Want to make this Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti recipe even more your own? Here are a few helpful tips and delicious variations:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would be delicious. For a sharper flavor, try adding a bit of pepper jack.
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables to your casserole. Sautéed mushrooms, diced celery, or roasted red peppers would all be great additions.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier casserole, increase the cayenne pepper, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or use a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained).
- Creamier Sauce: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a block of cream cheese (softened) along with the soups.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to the casserole for a burst of fresh flavor. Stir them in before baking or sprinkle on top as a garnish.
- Make it Lighter: Use reduced-fat cream of soups and low-fat cheese to lighten up the casserole without sacrificing too much flavor. You could also add more vegetables to increase the volume and nutritional value.
- Serving a Crowd: This recipe easily doubles for larger gatherings. Simply use a larger casserole dish and adjust baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Chicken spaghetti casserole is a complete meal in itself, but here are some delicious side dishes to round out your dinner:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy and colorful side.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with casseroles.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad makes a refreshing dessert after a hearty casserole meal.
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Chicken Spaghetti!
This Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy simple, delicious comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the cheesy, chickeny goodness of this classic Southern dish!
