Double-Cheese Chicken Casserole
Creamy double-cheese chicken casserole combines tender pasta with savory chicken, vegetables, and melty cheeses, making it a comforting dish perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed American cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes with green chilies, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar chopped pimientos ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper; boil until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 10 minutes; drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with cubed American cheese, chopped tomatoes with green chilies, chopped pimientos, cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms, cooked chicken, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, hearty casserole.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, sauté the onion, celery, and green bell pepper in a bit of olive oil before boiling. If you don't have American cheese, you can substitute with shredded mozzarella or a cheese blend. Feel free to add herbs like oregano or basil for an extra kick. This dish can also be made with leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup, like Best Ever Potato Soup, to balance the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Double-Cheese Chicken Casserole contains roughly 339 calories, with 19g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (63% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 955mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other types of pasta such as penne or rotini. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to achieve the desired tenderness.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What can I add to make this casserole more nutritious?
To boost nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to the mix. These can add color and vitamins while complementing the flavors of the casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).