Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved dish, especially in the Southern United States, known for its creamy texture and comforting flavors. This recipe, inspired by the famous Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, takes this classic to another level with its easy-to-follow instructions and crowd-pleasing taste. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in a baking dish, showcasing its creamy texture and cheesy topping.
Why This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Works
This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and deliciousness. It’s a one-dish meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. Adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s original recipe, this version retains all the comforting elements while being incredibly easy for home cooks of any skill level to prepare. The combination of creamy soups, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness baked into spaghetti creates a symphony of flavors and textures that are simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti, gather these ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small): Boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
- 16 oz uncooked Spaghetti: Pot-sized spaghetti works great, or break regular spaghetti into halves or thirds.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom soup: Provides a rich, savory base.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken soup: Adds another layer of creamy chicken flavor.
- 2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided: For both inside the casserole and a golden topping.
- ¼ cup diced Green Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of freshness and subtle flavor.
- ¼ cup diced Onion: Provides aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced Pimentos, drained: Offers a slightly sweet and tangy element.
- 6 cups Chicken Broth: For poaching the chicken and cooking the spaghetti, infusing flavor from the start.
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt: Enhances the overall savory taste.
- ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional): For a very subtle kick of heat.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- 3 slices Bacon, cooked and chopped: For a crispy, smoky topping (optional but highly recommended).
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole laid out on a counter, including canned soups, uncooked spaghetti, cheese, and vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti masterpiece:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Poach the Chicken: In a pot, bring the 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, then chop or shred it.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In the same chicken broth, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1 cup of the chicken broth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 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), and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Broth for Creaminess: Stir in the reserved 1 cup of chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: 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.
- Add Bacon (Optional): In the last few minutes of baking or right after removing from the oven, sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Cut into portions and enjoy this warm and comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti!
Mixing all ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in a large bowl before baking.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Lovers Delight: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all be delicious.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also use a can of Rotel tomatoes for added flavor and heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables to your casserole! Mushrooms, diced celery, or carrots would blend in nicely. Sauté them with the onions and peppers before adding to the casserole for best texture.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp side salad to balance the richness.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping up extra sauce.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli for a veggie side.
Enjoy Your Homemade Comfort
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort and home-cooked goodness. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s perfect for bringing people together. Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s a family favorite!
