Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

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This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient go-to for busy families. The combination of cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream creates a rich and creamy base, while the bell peppers add a fresh pop of color and flavor. With a golden, cheesy topping, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 8-12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
   Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the spaghetti but do not rinse, and set it aside.
3. Mix the Casserole Filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, parmesan cheese, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
4. Combine & Transfer:
   Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture, making sure the noodles are evenly distributed. Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Add Cheese & Bake:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted into a golden brown crust.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
   Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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Tips:

• Pasta Texture: If your family prefers softer noodles, cook the spaghetti a little longer than al dente. However, al dente will give the dish a firmer texture and help the noodles hold up better when baked.
• Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
• Add Some Spice: For a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Customizable Veggies: While bell peppers add a nice crunch, you can also add other veggies like mushrooms, peas, or even spinach to boost the nutritional value.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so it’s great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave.

This dish is a delicious and hearty way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table!