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 popular Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, takes this classic to another level. It’s the perfect bake for a chilly evening, a potluck gathering, or a family-friendly meal that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti recipe is set to become a staple in your kitchen.
Close up shot of Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in a baking dish, showcasing its golden brown cheesy top and creamy texture.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Special?
Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is celebrated for her approachable and delicious home-style cooking. Her chicken spaghetti recipe is no exception. This casserole stands out because of its rich, creamy sauce, generous use of cheese, and the perfect balance of flavors from the chicken, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s a hearty meal that’s both comforting and flavorful, making it ideal for family dinners and social gatherings. The recipe is also adaptable, allowing for personal touches to suit your taste preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Beyond its delicious taste, this Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti recipe has several advantages that make it a winner:
- Easy to Make: Like most casseroles, the preparation is straightforward. It involves cooking the chicken and spaghetti, mixing everything together, and baking.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors are appealing to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for Potlucks: Casseroles are classic potluck dishes, and this chicken spaghetti is easily transportable and serves a good number of people.
- Make-Ahead Meal: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, saving time on busy days.
- Comfort Food at its Best: Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this casserole embodies comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
To create this comforting casserole, you’ll need these readily available ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: The protein base of the dish. You’ll need about 2 large chicken breasts, which will be cooked and shredded or chopped.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta for this casserole. A 16 oz box of uncooked spaghetti is ideal. You can use regular spaghetti broken into thirds or pot-sized spaghetti.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup & Cream of Chicken Soup: These canned soups create the creamy base of the sauce, providing richness and flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese is used both inside the casserole and as a topping for that golden, cheesy crust.
- Green Bell Pepper & Onion: Diced green bell pepper and onion add a touch of freshness and savory flavor to the casserole.
- Pimentos: Diced pimentos provide a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Chicken Broth: Used to poach the chicken and cook the spaghetti, adding depth of flavor.
- Seasoned Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Salt & Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile. Cayenne pepper adds a very subtle kick, which is optional but recommended.
- Bacon: Cooked and chopped bacon is sprinkled on top for a crispy and smoky finish.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole laid out on a kitchen counter, including uncooked spaghetti, canned soups, cheese, chicken breasts, and vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cook Chicken: Poach the chicken breasts in about 6 cups of boiling chicken broth for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove chicken and let it cool slightly. Chop or shred the chicken.
- Cook 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 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Broth: Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour into Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour the spaghetti mixture into it.
- 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 it loosely with foil.
- Add Bacon: While the casserole is baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Chop the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the casserole just before serving.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting into servings. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish!
Mixing cooked spaghetti, chicken, soups, vegetables, and cheese in a large bowl for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven and you want to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Poaching Chicken for Flavor: Poaching the chicken in chicken broth adds extra flavor to both the chicken and the broth, which is used in the casserole. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced celery, mushrooms, or red bell pepper for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this chicken spaghetti casserole with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of soup?
Yes, you can experiment with different cream-based soups. Cream of celery or cream of mushroom with roasted garlic would also work well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breasts or thighs will work perfectly. Just shred or chop it before adding it to the casserole.
Can I freeze chicken spaghetti casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
How long does chicken spaghetti last in the refrigerator?
Cooked chicken spaghetti casserole will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti!
This Pioneer Woman chicken spaghetti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion that calls for comfort food. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and savory flavors, it’s a dish that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying casserole that embodies the heart of home cooking.
