Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
INGREDIENTS:
1 whole raw chicken, portioned into 8 pieces
1 pound of thin spaghetti, snapped into 2-inch lengths
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup of finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of seasoned salt
Two cans (10 3/4 ounces each) of cream of mushroom soup
DIRECTIONS:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the boiling water. Let them boil briefly, then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow them to simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, reserving 2 cups of the broth. Allow the chicken to cool; then remove the skin and shred the meat to yield about 2 cups.
Cook the spaghetti in the same pot using the broth in which the chicken was cooked. Aim for al dente pasta, ensuring it is not overcooked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, green and red bell peppers, onion, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Gently mix in 1 cup of the reserved chicken broth, adding more if necessary to moisten.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
You have the option to freeze the casserole for up to 6 months, refrigerate it for up to 2 days, or bake it immediately. If baking, cook until the casserole is bubbly, about 45 minutes. If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil.
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing a meal ahead of time. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for some creativity – feel free to add different vegetables, use a variety of cheeses, or even substitute the cream of mushroom soup with another cream soup of your preference. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this homestyle casserole.