Chicken Spaghetti

Indulge in the comforting tradition of stick-to-your-bones casseroles with this Southern classic—Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Immerse yourself in the delectable combination of gooey cheese, velvety soup, and robust chicken and pasta, creating an ideal feast for a ravenous crowd. Explore the delightful details of this flavorful chicken casserole below.

Unveiling Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Originally confined to Mississippi, Chicken Spaghetti Casserole gained broader recognition when revered food writer Craig Claiborne included a recipe in his 1987 cookbook, Craig Claiborne’s Southern Cooking.

Crafted with a harmonious blend of chicken, vegetables, and pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce, this casserole emerges as a versatile, family-friendly dish. The amalgamation of tender chicken, cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese culminates in a hot, gooey masterpiece.

Essential Ingredients

To embark on your culinary journey, gather the following basic ingredients, with room for personalization:

• Chicken: Opt for a whole chicken, boiled to tenderness, or choose your preferred cooking method.
• Spaghetti: Break it into smaller pieces before cooking.
• Vegetables: Onion, bell pepper, and celery add vibrancy and substance.
• Tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes or experiment with variations like diced pimientos or roasted red peppers for a zesty kick.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Infuse the casserole with a decadent, creamy texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, or a blend with Velveeta or Monterey Jack for added heat.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and butter for a perfect flavor balance.

Crafting Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Before diving into the full recipe, acquaint yourself with the essential steps:

1. Cook the Chicken: Boil or use your preferred method.
2. Prepare the Pasta: Cook spaghetti in the leftover broth for added flavor.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Soften onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic, then add to the drained pasta.
4. Complete Spaghetti: Combine with cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire and hot sauces, and black pepper.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with cheese.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake until the cheese is melted, and the casserole is heated through.

Serving Suggestions

While the dish stands admirably on its own, consider enhancing the experience with sides like garlic bread, a salad with homemade thousand island or ranch dressing, or roasted asparagus.

Freezing for Future Delights

Transform this casserole into a convenient make-ahead meal by freezing it after steps 1 through 3. Thaw overnight and finish with step 4 for a piping hot serving.

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (4-lb.) whole chicken
• 4 Tbsp. kosher salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 oz. uncooked spaghetti
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 medium-size green pepper, coarsely chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (10 3/4-oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 4 drops of hot sauce
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded medium Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Cook Chicken:

• Place first 3 ingredients in a Dutch oven, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender.
• Cool, discard bay leaf, skin, and bone chicken, then cut into pieces.

1. Cook Spaghetti:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Bring remaining broth to a boil, cook spaghetti in it until tender, then drain.

1. Assemble Casserole:

• Sauté onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic in butter.
• Combine with spaghetti.
• Mix soup and reserved broth, stir into spaghetti mixture.
• Add chicken, tomatoes, and seasonings. Spoon into a greased baking dish and top with cheese.

1. Bake:

• Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese melts.

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole—a true embodiment of Southern culinary tradition.