Weekend Casserole
A hearty weekend casserole combining tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, pasta, and cheesy toppings, perfect for family dinners and comforting weekend meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken, celery, and onion until tender.
- Spray a large, oblong baking dish with cooking spray.
- Put drained cooked spaghetti in the dish.
- Top with cooked chicken, celery, and onion mixture.
- Combine cream of chicken, mushroom or celery, and Cheddar cheese soups in a bowl and whisk until blended; add a bit of milk if needed.
- Pour the soup mixture over the spaghetti and chicken.
- Layer cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to the soup mixture. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute for the diced chicken breasts. For a healthier twist, you can replace the Cheddar cheese soup with a low-fat version or use a homemade cheese sauce. Feel free to mix in vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a fun twist, consider topping it with crushed tortilla chips just before serving for added crunch. Explore more American recipes for additional inspiration to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, covered, and heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated evenly. You may want to add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Weekend Casserole contains roughly 353 calories, with 24g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% 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 other types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid it becoming mushy while baking.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble it according to the instructions, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for vegetarian versions of the cream soups. This way, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying dish without the meat.
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).