Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Mushrooms and Cheddar Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Mushrooms and Cheddar Recipe because it’s like a warm hug in a dish. Whenever I make it, my kitchen fills with that comforting aroma of cheddar and mushrooms melding together, and I instantly know that a hearty, satisfying meal is on its way. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe really shines for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors.

One thing I appreciate is how versatile this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Mushrooms and Cheddar Recipe is — it comes together easily but tastes like you spent hours on it. You’ll find that cooking the spaghetti right in chicken broth adds this amazing depth that you just can’t get with plain water. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will be your go-to comfort food whenever you crave something cheesy, creamy, and satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a rich and balanced casserole. Using cooked chicken and sharp cheddar brings both heartiness and sharpness, while mushrooms boost the umami flavor. When shopping, pick fresh veggies and sharp cheddar for that punchy cheese taste.

• Cooked Chicken: Leftover roast chicken works great here, no need for raw chicken prep.
• Spaghetti: Break it into smaller pieces so it’s easier to eat and bakes evenly.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creamy thickness and earthy mushroom flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper the better for a gooey, flavorful topping.
• Green Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that brightens the dish.
• Onion: Finely diced so it melts into the creamy sauce.
• Jarred Diced Pimentos: A splash of color and a tiny tang that livens up the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Using broth to cook the spaghetti infuses the pasta with savory flavor.
• Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: Perfect blend of herbs and salt to enhance the whole casserole.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch adds warm heat without overpowering—adjust to your taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste to balance all flavors perfectly.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Mushrooms and Cheddar Recipe depending on the season or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to play with different veggies or cheeses — it’s forgiving and customizable, so make it your own!

• Mushroom Varieties: I sometimes swap in cremini or portobello for deeper flavor; each adds a unique earthiness.
• Cheese Changes: Try a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier melt and milder taste.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika if you want more heat and smokiness.
• Vegetarian Option: Leave out chicken, add extra mushrooms and some peas or spinach to keep it hearty and delicious.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Mushrooms and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Prep Your Chicken

Start with one cut-up fryer chicken — I like to boil it in water while seasoning with salt and pepper to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. When it’s cooked through, pick out about 2 cups of shredded chicken. This step might feel a bit old school, but homemade chicken always tastes better than store-bought rotisserie in this casserole.

Step 2: Cook Spaghetti in Chicken Broth

Here’s a little trick I learned: cook your spaghetti right in the reserved chicken broth from your pot instead of water. It infuses the noodles with savory flavor from the start. Be sure to break the spaghetti into 2-inch pieces for easier mixing and eating. Cook it just until al dente — it’ll finish cooking in the oven, so you don’t want mushy pasta.

Step 3: Mix Your Ingredients Together

Once your spaghetti’s ready, drain if needed but keep some broth around to keep it moist. Toss the noodles with the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, diced green pepper, onion, drained pimentos, Lawry’s seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and most of your shredded cheddar. Mix it gently to combine but avoid smashing those noodles.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil to keep moisture in, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for around 45 minutes until it’s bubbly and hot all the way through. If the cheese top starts browning too much, tent a sheet of foil over it to prevent burning.

How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Mushrooms and Cheddar Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and a fresh finish that balances out the richness. Sometimes, a little extra shredded cheddar or finely diced pimentos on top adds that extra-special touch for presentation.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette to cut through the cheesy creaminess. I also like serving roasted or steamed veggies such as broccoli or green beans to keep things balanced and colorful on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special family dinner or potluck, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of cheddar and a few sliced mushrooms or paprika for flair. It looks stylish and feels like a homemade indulgence without much extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in airtight containers and refrigerate them. They usually stay delicious for about 2 to 3 days. When I reheat, I cover the dish with foil or use a microwave-safe cover to prevent drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well — I make it ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to six months. When I’m ready to eat it, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, which helps maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). This keeps the casserole moist and helps the cheese stay melty without getting rubbery or dried out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Mushrooms and Cheddar Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, comforting, and always pleases everyone at the table. I hope you give it a try and find it as easy and delicious as I do — it really is one of those recipes that feels like a warm, comforting hug after a busy day. Don’t forget to tweak the seasonings to suit your family’s tastes and enjoy every cheesy, mushroom-y bite!

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