If you’re craving a dish that marries the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting familiarity of pasta, then this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. It’s a delightful blend of tender spaghetti, seasoned chicken, creamy textures, and melted cheese all baked together to create a cozy, satisfying casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners when you want something hearty yet simple to prepare. Trust me, once you try this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward creating this mouthwatering casserole. Each item brings something special to the table—rich creaminess, perfectly seasoned chicken, cheesy goodness, and a little zest from salsa—to ensure every bite bursts with flavor and comfort.
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta: Choose thin pasta to absorb the delicious sauce perfectly without overwhelming each forkful.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded: This protein adds substance and soaks up the tasty seasoning beautifully.
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided: Provides that irresistible gooey, melty texture on top and throughout the casserole.
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy moisture and depth without needing extra sauces.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the spices and makes the casserole luxuriously smooth.
- 1 cup salsa: Infuses the dish with vibrant flavors and a hint of spice.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: The star seasoning that ties all ingredients together with classic taco flavor.
- Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and develop that perfect bubbly top you’re anticipating.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your thin spaghetti or angel hair according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Drain well and set aside, because the pasta is ready to soak up all those delicious flavors soon!
Step 3: Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked chicken with 1 1/2 cups of cheese, both cans of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir everything until it’s blended into a creamy, flavorful mixture that’s bursting with taco goodness.
Step 4: Add Pasta to the Mixture
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, making sure every strand gets coated. This step blends the textures and flavors into the heart of the casserole.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the pasta mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This even layer will cook perfectly through and provide a beautiful base for the cheese topping.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese over the top, ensuring every bite comes with a cheesy, melty, golden crown.
Step 7: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The aroma alone will have you ready to dig in!
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top if you like that pop of herbal freshness.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a fantastic finish, adding color and brightness. You can also offer diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream to customize each plate with extra richness or heat.
Side Dishes
This taco-inspired casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, Mexican street corn, or even some warm, buttery dinner rolls to scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins and top each with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. It also makes for a charming presentation at potlucks or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe stays delicious for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to two months. It’s a fantastic meal prep solution!
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly again. A quick zap, and it tastes just as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef or even turkey works well with this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. Just cook the meat thoroughly before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
What kind of salsa is best?
Use your favorite salsa—mild, medium, or hot—to suit your taste. Chunky salsa adds extra texture, but smooth salsa melts nicely into the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with cooked beans such as black beans or pinto beans, and consider adding veggies like bell peppers or corn for more flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving for ultimate convenience.
Is there a gluten-free pasta option?
Definitely. Use your preferred gluten-free pasta in place of spaghetti, and double-check all canned ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free for a safe and tasty alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that’s surprisingly easy to pull together yet impressively comforting and flavorful. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds and makes your dinner table a place of warmth and joy. Give it a try—you’re going to love having this recipe in your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful fusion dish combining the comforting texture of spaghetti with bold Mexican flavors. Featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy soup, salsa, and a taco seasoning blend, this casserole is topped with melted Mexican blend cheese and fresh cilantro for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
Main Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups of Mexican blend cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until well mixed to create a flavorful base.
- Combine Pasta and Mixture: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated without breaking it.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starts to turn golden.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness and serve warm.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Pasta can be substituted with other thin noodles like linguine or capellini.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning if you prefer a milder or stronger flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and cheese with vegan alternatives.
