Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole: Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Embrace the cozy vibes with this delightful Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole, the ultimate comfort food for family dinners and potlucks. Inspired by the queen of home cooking herself, Ree Drummond, this recipe takes the classic spaghetti casserole to the next level with creamy textures and cheesy goodness. Perfect for chilly evenings or any gathering where you need a crowd-pleasing dish, this casserole is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to warm up your kitchen and your hearts with this easy-to-love recipe.

Overhead view of a freshly baked Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole in a white casserole dish, showcasing the golden brown cheese topping and creamy texture.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and hearty casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)
• 16 oz box of Spaghetti, uncooked (pot-sized or regular spaghetti 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 Onion, diced
• 1 jar (4 oz) Pimentos, diced and drained
• 6 cups Chicken Broth (approximately 1 ½ boxes)
• 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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these simple instructions for a perfect bake every time:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the Chicken: Poach the chicken breasts in boiling chicken broth for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Spaghetti: In the same chicken broth, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1 cup of the chicken broth.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 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, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. Add Cheese and Broth: Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved 1 cup of chicken broth. Mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the top with the cooked and chopped bacon. Let it cool slightly before cutting into servings. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting Pioneer Woman classic!

Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole being scooped from a casserole dish, showing the creamy interior and cheesy topping.

Tips for the Best Spaghetti Casserole

• Chicken Cooking Options: Poaching chicken keeps it moist, but you can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or bake or grill your chicken breasts. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through and chopped or shredded.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: If you like a bit more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or black olives for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté any fresh vegetables before adding them to the casserole mixture.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Step-by-step images showing the process of making Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole, from prepping ingredients to the final baked dish.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole is incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Weeknight Family Dinners: A simple and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Casseroles are always a hit at potlucks, church events, and family gatherings. This spaghetti casserole travels well and feeds a crowd.
• Holiday Meals: A comforting side dish for holiday dinners, especially during colder months.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: Make a casserole (or two!) ahead of time and freeze for easy weeknight meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, bringing comfort and smiles to your table every time.