The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

When it comes to comfort food that brings families together, few dishes can compete with The Pioneer Woman’s chicken spaghetti. This beloved recipe from Ree Drummond has become a staple in kitchens across America, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity – using basic pantry ingredients to create something extraordinary that can feed a crowd or provide delicious leftovers for busy weeknights.

This chicken spaghetti recipe represents everything wonderful about American comfort cooking. It’s hearty, economical, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re planning a potluck contribution, preparing for a family gathering, or simply wanting to create a memorable weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers on all fronts. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that’s both familiar and satisfying, making it an instant favorite for anyone who tries it.

Essential Ingredients for Success

The beauty of this chicken spaghetti recipe lies in its use of simple, readily available ingredients that most home cooks already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role in building the complex flavors and satisfying texture that make this dish so memorable.

The Protein Foundation

The recipe calls for

2 cups of cooked chicken

, which forms the hearty foundation of this casserole. The traditional method involves cooking a whole cut-up fryer chicken, which provides both the meat for the dish and creates a flavorful broth that will be used to cook the pasta. This dual-purpose approach ensures maximum flavor while making efficient use of every part of the chicken.

Pasta Selection and Preparation

**Three cups of thin spaghetti**, broken into 2-inch pieces, provides the perfect pasta base for this casserole. The breaking of the spaghetti isn’t just practical – it ensures that every forkful contains the perfect ratio of pasta to other ingredients. The smaller pieces also distribute more evenly throughout the casserole, creating a more cohesive final dish.

Creamy Base Components

**Two cans of cream of mushroom soup** create the rich, creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together. This convenience ingredient provides both creaminess and depth of flavor, eliminating the need for a complicated white sauce while maintaining the dish’s comfort food appeal.

Vegetable Medley

The recipe incorporates a classic trio of vegetables that add both flavor and visual appeal:

• 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper – adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion – provides aromatic depth and sweetness
• One 4-oz jar of diced pimentos, drained – contributes color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor

Cheese and Seasonings

**Three cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese** divided into portions ensures both flavor integration and an appealing golden top. The sharp cheddar provides a tangy contrast to the creamy base while creating that irresistible cheese pull that makes casseroles so appealing.

The seasoning blend includes

1 teaspoon of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

,

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

, and

salt and pepper to taste

. These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish’s comfort food character.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Cooking the Chicken

Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Add the cut-up fryer chicken pieces and return to a boil. After boiling for a few minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-45 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. This slow cooking method ensures the chicken remains moist while creating a rich, flavorful broth that will elevate every component of the dish.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the chicken cooks, prepare your vegetables with precision. For the

green pepper

, remove the top and bottom, cut in half, remove seeds and membranes, then slice into thin matchsticks before dicing finely. The

onion

should be cut in half from top to bottom, then each half should be sliced vertically before rotating and cutting across to create a fine dice.

Properly diced vegetables ensure even distribution throughout the casserole and prevent large chunks from overwhelming individual servings. The fine dice also helps the vegetables cook evenly during the baking process.

Pasta Preparation

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside to cool. Increase the heat to high and bring the chicken broth back to a rolling boil. Reserve

2 cups of this flavorful broth

for the recipe, then add the broken spaghetti pieces to the remaining boiling broth.

Cook the spaghetti until

al dente

– this is crucial because the pasta will continue cooking during the baking process. Overcooked pasta at this stage will result in a mushy final texture that detracts from the dish’s appeal.

Chicken Preparation

Allow the cooked chicken to cool enough for safe handling, then begin the satisfying process of picking the meat from the bones. This hands-on approach ensures you extract every bit of flavorful meat while allowing you to remove any unwanted pieces. Aim for

2 packed cups of chicken meat

, and don’t be afraid to include small pieces of skin for added flavor.

Assembly and Baking Instructions

Creating the Perfect Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the picked chicken meat. Add the cream of mushroom soup, diced vegetables, pimentos, and seasonings. Incorporate

2 cups of the sharp cheddar cheese

, reserving the remaining cup for topping.

Gradually stir in the

2 cups of reserved chicken broth

until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency. The broth should be completely incorporated, creating a cohesive mixture that holds together without being too wet or too dry.

Final Assembly

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Sprinkle the remaining

1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese

over the top, creating an even layer that will brown beautifully during baking.

Baking to Perfection

Bake at

350°F for 45 minutes

until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning while allowing the interior to heat through completely.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

One of the greatest advantages of this chicken spaghetti recipe is its flexibility regarding preparation and storage. The assembled casserole can be

covered and refrigerated for up to two days

before baking, making it perfect for meal planning and busy schedules.

For longer storage, the casserole can be

covered and frozen for up to six months

. This makes it an excellent option for batch cooking or preparing meals during less busy times for use during hectic periods. When ready to bake from frozen, allow extra cooking time and cover with foil initially to prevent the top from browning before the interior is heated through.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This chicken spaghetti serves as a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple side dishes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the casserole, while warm dinner rolls provide additional comfort food satisfaction.

The recipe is inherently flexible, allowing for various modifications based on preferences or available ingredients. Some cooks prefer to use a combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, while others add bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

A: Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. However, you’ll need to use store-bought chicken broth for cooking the pasta since you won’t have homemade broth from cooking the chicken.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The assembled casserole can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 6 months before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep and entertaining.

Q: What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

A: Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its tangy flavor and good melting properties. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

A: Cook the spaghetti only until al dente, as it will continue cooking during the baking process. Overcooked pasta at the initial stage will result in a mushy texture in the final dish.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on your preferences. Diced celery, mushrooms, or even frozen peas can be added. Just ensure they’re finely diced for even distribution.

Tips for Perfect Results

Achieving the perfect chicken spaghetti requires attention to several key details. First, don’t rush the chicken cooking process – the slow simmer creates both tender meat and flavorful broth that elevates the entire dish. Second, take time to dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and attractive presentation. Third, reserve adequate chicken broth for the recipe, as this liquid is crucial for achieving the proper consistency.

Temperature control during baking is also important. If your oven runs hot, check the casserole after 35 minutes and cover with foil if necessary to prevent over-browning. The finished dish should be bubbly throughout with a golden-brown cheese topping.

Why This Recipe Works

The Pioneer Woman’s chicken spaghetti succeeds because it balances familiar flavors with practical preparation methods. The use of convenience ingredients like cream of mushroom soup doesn’t compromise flavor but rather ensures consistent results for home cooks of all skill levels. The technique of cooking pasta in chicken broth instead of plain water adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this dish stand out from similar recipes.

This recipe also represents the best of American comfort food cooking – taking simple, affordable ingredients and transforming them into something special through thoughtful technique and generous portions. It’s the kind of dish that creates lasting memories and becomes a requested favorite at family gatherings and potluck events.