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Chicken Spaghetti

This creamy chicken spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing casserole with a rich and indulgent cheesy sauce, perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dish
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, diced Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz) Adds tang and heat.
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Sharp cheddar is recommended.
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Provides creaminess.
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
  2. Cook spaghetti for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain but don't rinse.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. Sauté onion and bell pepper in butter over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Making the Creamy Sauce
  1. Combine both cream soups in a large bowl and mix until smooth.
  2. Add sour cream, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with chilies; stir thoroughly.
  3. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembling the Casserole
  1. Add cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy sauce over it.
  2. Add cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables. Mix until combined.
  3. Stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese. Fold until evenly distributed.
  4. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish and spread evenly.
Creating the Crunchy Topping
  1. Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and toss until coated.
  2. Sprinkle reserved cheddar cheese over the casserole, then top with the buttered cracker mixture.
Baking to Perfection
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Add the topping right before baking.