Creamy Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: Your Ultimate Family Favorite Recipe

Step into the world of ultimate comfort food with our incredible Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, bringing together the satisfying textures of spaghetti, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce generously studded with sharp cheddar cheese. What truly sets this casserole apart is its distinctive flavor profile, crafted by the harmonious blend of pimentos, green chilies, and a secret ingredient that elevates the entire dish: tarragon. For anyone looking to add a touch of gourmet flavor to their everyday cooking, tarragon is an absolute gem, especially when paired with chicken. Its subtle licorice-like notes complement the poultry beautifully, creating an experience that’s both familiar and uniquely delicious.

Why This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a Must-Try

This recipe isn’t just another casserole; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly unforgettable meal. The combination of creamy soup and milk forms a luscious base, while the sharp cheddar melts into gooey perfection, coating every strand of spaghetti and piece of chicken. Pimentos add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, and the green chilies introduce a gentle warmth, making each bite exciting. However, the star of the show is undeniably tarragon. This elegant herb infuses the dish with a sophisticated, aromatic depth that transforms a simple chicken and spaghetti dish into something truly special. It’s a wonderful way to introduce a unique herb into your cooking repertoire and impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes far more complex than it is to prepare.

Time Needed: Your Quick and Easy Dinner Solution

One of the greatest appeals of this Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is its incredible efficiency. It’s designed to be a rapid meal assembly, particularly if you’re a savvy cook who keeps cooked chicken on hand. If you have pre-cooked chicken in your freezer (a meal prep strategy we highly recommend for busy households), the casserole comes together in virtually the time it takes to boil and drain your spaghetti. This means you can significantly cut down on active cooking time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table fast.

If you’re starting from scratch and need to cook your chicken, plan for an additional 15-20 minutes for boiling or baking the chicken, plus shredding or dicing. Even with cooking the chicken from raw, the total prep time remains surprisingly minimal—about 15 minutes. Once assembled, the casserole bakes in approximately 20-25 minutes. This efficient timeline means you can have a hearty, flavorful Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti meal ready to enjoy in a remarkable 40-45 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect solution for fast weeknight dinners that don’t compromise on taste or quality.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful casserole. We focus on readily available items that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life:

• Cooked Spaghetti: The foundation of our casserole. Any type of spaghetti or even other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine will work. Cook al dente for best results in the casserole.
• Cooked Chicken: The convenience factor! Use chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced. Leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even pre-cooked frozen chicken breast strips are fantastic time-savers. If cooking from scratch, simply boil or bake chicken until done, then shred or dice.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The heart of the cheesy goodness. We recommend a sharp or medium cheddar for optimal flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-bagged varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the creamy, savory base of the sauce, providing a comforting consistency and rich flavor.
• Milk: Thins out the soup and contributes to the overall creaminess of the sauce. Whole milk or 2% milk works best for richness.
• Diced Pimentos: These small, sweet red peppers add a lovely color, mild flavor, and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Canned Diced Green Chilies: For a mild, earthy spice and a classic Southwestern touch. Adjust the amount based on your preferred heat level.
• Dried Tarragon: Our secret weapon! Tarragon offers a distinctive, slightly anise-like flavor that pairs incredibly well with chicken and cheese. Don’t skip this.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: For preparing your baking dish.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to explore other rotisserie chicken dinner ideas for more easy weeknight dinners! Pre-cooked chicken is truly a game-changer for quick meals.

Vegetarian and Other Customizable Options

This Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti Casserole recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to cater to different dietary preferences or simply to experiment with new flavors. If you’re looking to create a delicious vegetarian version, it’s incredibly simple to do. Instead of chicken, you can substitute hearty vegetables like steamed broccoli florets, sautéed red bell peppers, or even mushrooms. A combination of these vegetables works beautifully to add texture and nutrients. For the creamy base, swap the cream of chicken soup for a can of condensed cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup to maintain the rich consistency without any meat products.

Beyond vegetarian adjustments, feel free to get creative with other variations:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture for an extra kick.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots into the mix for more color and nutrients.
• Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, try a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a touch of smoked gouda for a different cheesy experience.
• Turkey Spaghetti: If you have leftover cooked turkey from a holiday meal, it makes an excellent substitute for chicken.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and ensure your condensed soup is also gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Casserole

Making this Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a consistently delicious result:

1. Prepare the Spaghetti: Cook 8 ounces of spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Avoid overcooking, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
2. Dice the Chicken: Cube or shred 2 cups of cooked chicken. Ensure the pieces are bite-sized for even distribution throughout the casserole.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients & Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of diced pimientos, the 4.5 ounces can of diced green chilies, 1 tablespoon of dried tarragon, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
4. Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cubed chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) into the sauce mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Gently Fold in Spaghetti: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the bowl with the chicken and sauce mixture. Mix gently using tongs or a large spoon to avoid breaking the spaghetti strands. Ensure all the pasta is coated.
6. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking pan (or a similar size casserole dish) with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
7. Assemble Casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
10. Serve Hot: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.

Perfect Side Dishes for Your Casserole

When serving a rich and satisfying casserole like Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti, it’s best to complement it with simple, fresh side dishes that won’t compete with its bold flavors. The goal is to provide balance and a touch of freshness to the meal. Here are some ideal pairings:

• Steamed Green Vegetables: A classic choice. Think steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or spinach. A light seasoning of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice is all they need.
• Crisp Garden Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast. Include ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers for added crunch and vitamins.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce! A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is always a welcome addition.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: For a heartier side, roasted carrots or parsnips can add a touch of sweetness and earthiness without overpowering the main dish.

Keeping the sides light and fresh ensures that the Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti remains the star of your dinner table.

Freezer Instructions and Meal Prep Tips

This Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is not only delicious fresh but also an excellent candidate for freezer cooking. Doubling the recipe is a fantastic way to stock your freezer with ready-to-bake meals, saving you precious time on future busy evenings. Having a homemade, comforting meal ready to go can be a lifesaver for meal planning.

How to Freeze Your Casserole:

1. Assemble, Don’t Bake: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Combine all ingredients, place them in a freezer-safe baking dish, and top with the remaining cheese.
2. Cool Completely: Ensure the assembled casserole is completely cooled before freezing if any ingredients were warm (like freshly cooked spaghetti or chicken).
3. Cover and Seal: Cover the dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This dual protection helps prevent freezer burn.
4. Label Clearly: Don’t forget to label your casserole with the dish name, date, and baking instructions. A good label might read: “Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti: Thaw completely in the refrigerator. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.”

To Bake from Frozen:

For best results, it’s recommended to thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Once thawed, bake as directed in the recipe (uncovered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes). If baking from frozen, you will need to increase the baking time significantly, likely to 45-60 minutes, covering the casserole for the first 30-40 minutes to prevent the top from browning too quickly, then uncovering for the last 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

The Recipe Card

Pin This Delicious Recipe!

Loved this recipe? Make sure to save it for later! Pin this image to your favorite Pinterest boards so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving a comforting and easy weeknight meal. It’s a fantastic addition to your family dinner rotation and a great idea for meal prep inspiration.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

This Creamy Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti Casserole stands as a testament to the fact that incredibly delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its rich, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and the unexpected brightness of pimentos, green chilies, and tarragon, it’s a dish that promises to delight every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy parent looking for a reliable weeknight dinner solution, this recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, ease, and heartwarming satisfaction. We encourage you to try it tonight and experience the comforting magic of this truly special casserole. It might just become your family’s new favorite!