Pioneer Woman’s Dreamy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Check out the world of chicken spaghetti casserole, a culinary masterpiece that elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magical.

This soul-warming dish weaves together succulent chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety sauce that hugs every single strand.

Packed with robust flavors and comforting textures, it’s a recipe that whispers of home and hearth.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into a symphonic meal that sparks joy around the dinner table.

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying, this casserole promises to silence hunger and warm hearts.

One forkful, and you’ll understand why this classic has been cherished by families for generations.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Whole Chicken: Select a plump, fresh bird with no odd smell for the most tender meat.
• Cheddar Cheese: Choose a sharp variety for robust flavor and smooth melting quality.

• Green Pepper: Pick bright, firm peppers with smooth skin for maximum crunch.
• Onion: Select firm, heavy onions without soft spots for best texture.
• Pimentos: Look for jarred pimentos that are vibrant red and free from blemishes.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Seasoned Salt, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Blend for layered, complex spice profile that elevates the entire dish.

Tools to Build the Spaghetti Bake

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling chicken and cooking spaghetti noodles.
• Cutting Board: Ideal for shredding chicken and dicing vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing green peppers and onions.
• Colander: Great for draining noodles and excess liquid.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps mix ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Casserole Dish: Bakes and serves the delicious chicken spaghetti.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for fresh cheddar cheese topping.
• Foil: Prevents cheese from over-browning during baking.

Cooking Method for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Kickstart the Chicken Prep

Snag a big pot and nestle the whole chicken inside. Flood with water and crank up the heat until boiling. Dial down the temperature and let it simmer gently for half an hour until the chicken is perfectly cooked. Rescue the chicken, let it cool, then shred it into delectable pieces. Keep the golden broth for the next magic trick.

• Noodle Dance

Pour the saved broth back into the pot and bring to a rolling boil. Toss in spaghetti pieces and cook until they’re wonderfully tender. If needed, drain and return noodles to the pot, ready for their flavor adventure.

• Flavor Fusion

Dive into the pot and mix in your shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, sharp cheddar, zesty green peppers, punchy onions, bright pimentos, and a sprinkle of seasonings. Stir with passion until everything mingles like old friends at a reunion.

• Casserole Transformation

Slide the mixture into a cozy casserole dish. Crown the top with an extra sprinkle of cheese for that irresistible golden finish.

• Bake and Celebrate

Fire up the oven to 350°F. Bake your creation for 45 minutes until it’s bubbling with excitement. If the cheese looks like it’s getting too tan, drape some foil over the top. This dish keeps well in the fridge for a couple days or can hibernate in the freezer for months. Pro tip: Thaw overnight before baking for peak deliciousness.

Tips to Keep It Creamy Not Dry

• Boost Protein Power: Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and smoky flavor. Crisp pancetta works wonderfully as a crunchy topping right before serving.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Swap cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or a mixed cheese blend for different flavor profiles. Experiment with sharp or mild cheese varieties to match your taste preferences.
• Make It Spicier: Increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for more heat. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for an additional kick that will wake up your taste buds.
• Veggie Swap Magic: Replace green peppers with roasted bell peppers, poblano peppers, or add mushrooms for depth. Spinach or kale can introduce additional nutrition and interesting texture to the casserole.

Serving Chicken Spaghetti Bake for Dinner

• Serve with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add a refreshing crunch.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complement the hearty chicken spaghetti casserole.
• Add Zesty Side Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and bright flavor that cuts through the creamy dish.
• Enjoy with Chilled White Wine: Select a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to enhance the meal and provide a delightful dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Notes

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare multiple casseroles at once and store extras in freezer-safe containers for quick, hassle-free meals during busy weeks.
• Refrigeration Recommendations: Store leftover chicken spaghetti casserole in airtight containers for maximum freshness, keeping it refrigerated and consuming within 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating Rescue: Thaw frozen casserole in refrigerator overnight, then reheat in oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Pioneer woman chicken spaghetti casserole blends creamy cheese sauce with tender chicken and pasta. Hearty comfort cuisine from Oklahoma kitchens satisfies hungry families with its rich, nostalgic flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 3 cups spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces (regular or whole wheat)
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups mixed in, 1 cup for topping)
• 2 cans (10.75 oz / 305 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups chicken broth (reserved from cooking the chicken)
• 1 jar (4 oz / 113 g) diced pimentos, drained
• ¼ cup green pepper, finely diced
• ¼ cup onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/8 to ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Poach Preparation: Submerge whole fryer chicken in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes until fully cooked. Remove chicken, cool completely, and shred into tender pieces. Strain and reserve chicken broth.
2. Pasta Cooking: Use reserved broth to boil spaghetti until perfectly al dente. Drain and return to pot, maintaining optimal texture and flavor absorption.
3. Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, pimentos, and an array of seasonings. Mix thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors and spices.
4. Assembly and Topping: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top to create a golden, appetizing surface that will crisp during baking.
5. Baking and Preservation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 45 minutes until the top turns golden and edges bubble. If cheese browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil. For make-ahead convenience, the casserole can be refrigerated for 48 hours or frozen for up to 6 months, ensuring a delightful meal is always within reach.

Notes

• Chicken Poaching Tip: Use a whole fryer chicken for maximum flavor, ensuring thorough cooking and tender meat shredding.
• Broth Preservation: Reserve the chicken broth after poaching; it adds depth and richness to the casserole’s overall taste profile.
• Cheese Distribution: Layer cheese strategically—mix half into the casserole and sprinkle remaining on top for a golden, crispy cheese crust.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze for 6 months, perfect for meal planning and busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg