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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Pasta Cooking: Use reserved broth to boil spaghetti until perfectly al dente. Drain and return to pot, maintaining optimal texture and flavor absorption.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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