If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that bursts with rich flavors and creamy textures, then you absolutely must try this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Creamy Mushroom and Cheddar Cheese Recipe. It’s that perfect dish where tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, luscious mushroom cream, and gooey cheddar cheese come together in a baked casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of hearty and indulgent, making it a staple I love sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Creamy Mushroom and Cheddar Cheese Recipe? You’ll be surprised how just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients work harmoniously to create incredible depth of flavor, inviting textures, and vibrant color that make this casserole so irresistible.
- Spaghetti noodles: Pick sturdy noodles that hold up well to baking without turning mushy.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, this is the protein-packed heart of the dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to bring out the veggies’ sweetness and add a subtle richness.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- Bell pepper: Brings a crisp, colorful crunch and a mild tang.
- Garlic: Infuses the casserole with its signature aromatic punch.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Provides a velvety base with earthy undertones.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds savory creaminess that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
- Dried basil: A hint of herbal brightness to lift the flavors.
- Chicken broth: Used to loosen the sauce and add a natural savory essence.
- Dried oregano: Contributes subtle Mediterranean flair.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, essential for that cheesy punch.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and creamy mildness.
- Salt and pepper: To season everything just right and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of fresh green and mild peppery taste for garnish.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Creamy Mushroom and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti noodles until they’re perfectly al dente—meaning they’re cooked but still have a little bite. This texture is crucial because they’ll go back into the oven to bake, and you don’t want mushy pasta ruining the dish’s structure.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Whether you’ve got leftover cooked chicken or poaching fresh chicken breasts, make sure your chicken is cooked through and tender. Then, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every forkful has a lovely balance of pasta and protein.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook them until softened and fragrant. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and aroma, building the flavor foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add your cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth right into the skillet with the veggies. Stir until smooth and combined. Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this sauce simmer gently so all those savors meld together, giving your casserole that trademark creamy mushroom goodness.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese
Now for the fun part: toss the cooked spaghetti noodles, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella into the sauce. Stir everything until every strand and chunk is beautifully coated. This uniform coating guarantees the creamy cheesy flavor is in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Feel free to sprinkle some extra cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. By the end, you’ll have a bubbling casserole with melted cheese and all those delightful flavors joined in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Creamy Mushroom and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the top adds a fresh pop of color and a mild, herbaceous bite that cuts through the richness beautifully. If you like a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper can bring some extra excitement.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is wonderfully filling, I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to add brightness to the meal. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans also complement the creamy textures perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins for a charming and elegant touch. Alternatively, topping each serving with a spoonful of crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs adds a fantastic contrast of textures for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Creamy Mushroom and Cheddar Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember that flavors meld even more after sitting, so reheated portions can be even tastier!
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. To freeze, bake it first or freeze before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When frozen unbaked, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If baked first, wrap leftovers well and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes depending on the portion size. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven method retains the best texture and creaminess. Adding a splash of chicken broth helps revive the sauce during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly here, you can substitute with any pasta that holds sauce well, like penne, rotini, or even egg noodles. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add mushrooms, zucchini, or other veggies to make it hearty and satisfying without meat.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Definitely! Sauté fresh mushrooms along with the onions and peppers, then create a homemade cream sauce with flour and milk or cream. This adds a fresher mushroom flavor but requires a few extra steps.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and substitute gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, or make your own gluten-free cream sauce. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
What’s the best cheese combination for this casserole?
The blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is classic for this recipe because cheddar delivers flavor punch while mozzarella melts to creamy perfection. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Gouda for different twists.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Creamy Mushroom and Cheddar Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring smiles around the table. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in that comforting, cheesy deliciousness that’s so hard to beat!
Print
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Creamy Mushroom and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic chicken spaghetti is a comforting and creamy casserole perfect for a family dinner. Tender spaghetti noodles are combined with shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce made from cream of mushroom and chicken soups. Topped with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Liquids
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Chicken: If your chicken is not already cooked, poach or grill it until fully cooked through. Then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Mix thoroughly until smooth and combined. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors blend nicely.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Optionally sprinkle additional cheese on top for a cheesy crust. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving option if desired.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium soups.
- Make sure to prevent the noodles from overcooking as they will bake further in the oven.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
