Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a hearty and delicious casserole that is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you're craving a cozy, satisfying meal. Tender chunks of chicken, al dente pasta, and colores are enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have your taste buds singing with joy. The dish is easy to make and can be customized to suit your preference.
1(12 ounce) package of Barilla Gluten Free Spaghetticooked al dente (about 7 minutes)
1tbspbutter
1green bell pepperchopped
1red bell pepperchopped
1small onionchopped
1cupcelerychopped
1tbspminced garlic
For the Cheese Sauce
1 1/2cupchicken broth
1cupmilk
6ouncescream cheese
1/4cupheavy cream
1cupshredded cheddar
1(10 ounce) can of tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1tspgarlic powder
1tspchili powder
1/2tspcumin
1tspsalt
1/2tsppepper
For the Topping
1 1/2cupsshredded cheddar cheese
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Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers, onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
In the same skillet, combine the chicken broth, milk, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Whisk the mixture until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the undrained can of diced tomatoes, and the Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
In the large mixing bowl with the sautéed vegetables, add the cooked and shredded (or diced) chicken, cooked spaghetti, and the prepared cheese sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into the greased 9x13 casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Freezing Instructions:
Assemble the chicken spaghetti completely in a freezer and oven-safe dish, leaving off the shredded cheese topping.
Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, label it, and freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Remove the casserole from the freezer the night before baking and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating from Frozen:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the plastic wrap, top the casserole with shredded cheese, and cover with foil.
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and continue baking in 10-minute intervals until heated through.
If baking directly from frozen, add about 20 minutes to the total cooking time.
Reheating Single Portions (Leftovers):
Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second increments until warmed through.
Reheating Entire Cooked Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Check the casserole and continue baking, checking every 10 minutes, until heated through.
Total reheating time will vary based on the dish size, refrigerator temperature, and how much is left in the dish.