Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s a true comfort food classic: Paula Deen’s Chicken Spaghetti. This dish is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect meal for family dinners or potlucks. With tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a cheesy, creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Let’s get started!

What is Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti?

Paula Deen’s Chicken Spaghetti is a hearty, Southern-style casserole that combines cooked chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden brown, creating a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Other Paula Deen Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and textures.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish easy to prepare.

Great for leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Paula Deen’s touch: A recipe that embodies Paula’s love for hearty, Southern cooking.

Ingredients Needed to Make Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)

12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped

1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)

1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

To make Paula Deen’s Chicken Spaghetti, you’ll need the following equipment:

Large pot: For boiling the spaghetti.
Large skillet: For sautéing the vegetables and mixing the sauce.

Mixing bowl: For combining the cooked spaghetti with the sauce.
9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.

Cheese grater: For grating the cheese.

Instructions to Make Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and bell peppers over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
Make the sauce: Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add the chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Combine with chicken and spaghetti: Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Assemble the casserole: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Easy Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

What Goes Well With Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti

Garlic bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Green salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Steamed vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a complete meal.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the creamy spaghetti.
Sweet tea: A classic Southern sweet tea is the perfect beverage pairing.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti

Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.

Cook the spaghetti al dente: Slightly undercook the spaghetti to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Thin the sauce if needed: If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preference.

Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and baked just before serving.

Variations of Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti

Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
Creamy Alfredo Chicken Spaghetti: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with Alfredo sauce for a richer, creamier casserole.

Vegetable Chicken Spaghetti: Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti: Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a cheesier dish.
Mexican Chicken Spaghetti: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Southwestern twist.

Storing Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti: Best Practices

Use an airtight container: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate promptly: Keep the casserole chilled to maintain its freshness.
Use within 3-4 days: For the best taste and quality, consume within a few days.

Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti: Best Practices

Oven reheating: Reheat the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave reheating: Microwave individual servings on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until heated to your liking.

Cover with foil: If reheating the entire casserole in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 22g

Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 950mg

Sugar: 5g

How Can I Make Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti Healthier?

To make Paula Deen’s Chicken Spaghetti healthier, consider these simple adjustments:

Use whole wheat spaghetti: Swap out regular spaghetti for whole wheat spaghetti to increase fiber and nutrients.

Reduce the cheese: Cut back on the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat.
Lower the sodium: Use reduced-sodium versions of the canned soups and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Add more vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and bulk.

Use Greek yogurt: Replace some of the cream soup with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Paula Deen’s Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Can I freeze Paula Deen’s Chicken Spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Spaghetti. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still slightly frozen.

What’s the best cheese to use for Chicken Spaghetti?

Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for Chicken Spaghetti, as it melts well and adds a rich, tangy flavor. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of different cheeses to suit your taste.

How do I keep Chicken Spaghetti from becoming too dry?

To keep Chicken Spaghetti from becoming too dry, ensure that the sauce is not too thick before baking. If needed, add a bit of chicken broth to thin the sauce. Additionally, avoid over-baking the casserole, and cover it with foil during baking if the top is browning too quickly.

Final Words

Paula Deen’s Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare and always delivers on flavor. Enjoy the warm, homemade goodness with every bite!

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