Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A while back, I was watching the Food Network and I happened to catch an episode of the Pioneer Women.  She made this fabulous looking Chicken Spaghetti.  It takes a little bit of time to put together, but other than that it was really simple to make.  I just knew I had to give it a try!  I tweaked the recipe just a little bit and it was absolutely delicious!

What I really love about this recipe is that it can be made ahead and baked later on.  So you can make it the night before or in the morning, refrigerate it and then bake it right before dinner.  You can also freeze it to have on hand for one of those days where you just have no time to cook.  I think it would also be perfect for a potluck or to bring to a friend or relative who’s sick or maybe just had a baby.

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• 1 whole raw chicken, about 5 lbs, cut into pieces
• 1/2 red pepper, diced small
• 1/2 green pepper, diced small
• 1/2 medium zucchini, diced small
• 1 medium red onion, diced small
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound spaghetti, broken into 2 inch pieces
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tsp season salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper to taste

Put chicken pieces into a LARGE pot, fill with cold water.

Bring water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer at a low bubble for about 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.  Remove chicken from pot and allow to cool.  Once chicken is cool enough to handle, shred enough chicken for a 2 generous cups.

Remove 2 cups of the cooking liquid from the pot and reserve for later.

Bring the remaining liquid in the pot back to a boil.  Cook pasta for about 8 minutes, until al dente.  Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add green and red pepper, zucchini, onion and garlic.  Season lightly with salt and pepper.  Saute for about 5 minutes until veggies are softened.

In a large mixing bowl, combine, veggies, chicken, pasta, cream of mushroom soup, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, season salt and cayenne pepper.  Mix until combined.  Stir in 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid until well combined.  Stir in as much of the remaining liquid as needed to make the sauce creamy.  You don’t want it to be too dry.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon mixture into either 1 – 9×13 baking dish (that’s been coated with cooking spray) or 2 – 8×8 baking dishes.  Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese over the top.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees, until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.  Or you can cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 6 months.  If you bake this immediately, it will probably take closer to 30 minutes to bake.  If the casserole is cold when you bake it, it will probably take closer to 45 minutes to bake.

Serve immediately.

ENJOY!

Shared at these great blogs:

The Country Cook

Mandy’s Recipe Box

Gooseberry Patch

SaveSave