1/4teaspooncayenne pepperoptional for a tiny kick.
Extra cheese for the topping.
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the broken spaghetti in a large pot of water or chicken broth. Cook it until it is just tender. Do not overcook the noodles yet. Drain the water but save two cups of the liquid.
Prepare the Chicken
If you haven't cooked your chicken yet, boil it in water with some salt. Once it is fully cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a rotisserie chicken to save time.
Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a very large bowl, combine the mushroom soup and chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the diced peppers, onions, and drained pimientos. This creates a colorful and flavorful base.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the large bowl. Toss everything together so the noodles are well coated. The mixture should look very wet and creamy at this stage.
Add the Cheese
Fold in two cups of the grated cheddar cheese. Mix it gently so the cheese is spread throughout the dish. The cheese will melt beautifully once it hits the oven.
Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Taste a tiny bit to see if it needs more salt. The seasonings bring all the creamy flavors to life.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula or spoon.
Add the Topping
Sprinkle an extra half cup of cheese over the top of the casserole. This creates a golden, bubbly crust while it bakes. You can add more cheese if you like it extra gooey.
Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.
Rest and Serve
Take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for five minutes. This helps the sauce thicken up before you scoop it. Serve it warm to your hungry family and enjoy.
Notes
Use Rotisserie Chicken: This is the best shortcut for busy parents.
Add Extra Veggies: You can mix in peas or broccoli for more nutrition.
Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños if you like a spicy southern twist.
Broth Matters: Using chicken broth instead of water for the pasta adds more flavor.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble this a day early and keep it in the fridge.
Cheese Choice: Try mixing Monterey Jack with Cheddar for a different taste.