Tonight’s chill in the air, a welcome change bringing temperatures down to the 30s in Louisiana, called for a cozy, home-baked casserole. What better way to embrace the winter season than with a warm and comforting dish? This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, inspired by the iconic Pioneer Woman, is a beloved recipe, especially popular in the South. Known for our love of casseroles, this adaptation brings a delightful twist to a classic. Its charm lies in its simplicity – just like most casseroles, you combine all ingredients, pour them into a dish, and bake! Perfect for holiday gatherings, church potlucks, Christmas festivities, or any family meal, this Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is sure to be a hit.
Close up of a golden brown and bubbly Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in a white baking dish.
Print Recipe
Why This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a Must-Try
This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a Pioneer Woman-inspired masterpiece! Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is renowned for her comforting, family-friendly recipes, and this chicken spaghetti casserole is no exception. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Easy to Make: Minimal fuss and straightforward instructions mean even novice cooks can nail this recipe.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the creamy, cheesy goodness of chicken spaghetti.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: Warm, satisfying, and utterly delicious – perfect for chilly evenings or potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when you’re ready, saving you time on busy days.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Generous servings make it ideal for large gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole:
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 16 oz box of Spaghetti, uncooked (pot-sized or broken in half or thirds)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken soup
- 2 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/4 cup Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup Onion, diced
- 1 jar (4 oz) Pimentos, diced and drained
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (approximately 1 1/2 boxes) for poaching chicken and cooking spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 3 slices Bacon, cooked and chopped (for topping)
Ingredients laid out for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, featuring canned soups, uncooked spaghetti, cheese, diced vegetables and chicken breasts.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Spaghetti Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman-inspired chicken spaghetti casserole:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Poach the Chicken: In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add chicken breasts and poach for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove chicken and let it cool slightly before chopping or shredding.
- Cook Spaghetti: In the same chicken broth, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain the 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 the reserved 1 cup of chicken cooking broth until the mixture is well combined and slightly smooth.
- Pour into Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into it.
- 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 foil.
- Bacon Finish: Remove from oven and sprinkle the top with cooked and chopped bacon.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. Cut into servings and enjoy this warm and comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole!
Close-up shot of mixing cooked spaghetti, chicken, vegetables, and creamy soup mixture in a large stainless steel bowl for the casserole.
Tips and Variations for Your Casserole
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of Italian cheeses would also be delicious.
- Spice it Up: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Vegetable Boost: Add other diced vegetables like mushrooms, celery, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients. Sauté them lightly before adding to the casserole.
- Creamier Casserole: For an even creamier texture, add 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Serving Suggestions
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Cornbread
Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a comforting meal on a cold day, this Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home-style comfort. Easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bring the warmth and deliciousness of the Pioneer Woman’s kitchen to your own table with this delightful chicken spaghetti casserole. Enjoy!
Adapted from http://thepioneerwoman.com/
Print Recipe
