If you have a soft spot for cheesy, comforting casseroles, then this Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and those bright, tangy pimentos all wrapped up with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Imagine layers of cheesy goodness baked into a golden crust that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a gathering, or just craving some homemade comfort food, this recipe hits every mark and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients will set the stage for a dish packed with flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays its part, from the sharpness of the cheddar cheese to the cozy cream sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti.
- 8 oz thin spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that soaks up the creamy sauce while staying tender but not mushy.
- ½ cup butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour: The thickening hero that helps transform the sauce into that luscious, velvety texture.
- 2½ cups milk: Giving the sauce a smooth body and light creaminess without overwhelming heaviness.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Brings sharp, savory flavor and beautiful golden browning.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds depth, creaminess, and a subtle chicken essence.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds warm, mellow garlic notes without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp onion powder: A subtle hint of sweetness that balances the cheese and chicken.
- 1 (4-oz) jar diced pimentos (drained): Provides little bursts of tangy color for both taste and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that brighten every flavor component.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a wonderful umami boost to elevate the entire dish.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: Tender and savory, it makes the casserole hearty and protein-packed.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Cook the thin spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just tender—al dente works best so it holds up in the bake. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and begins thickening the base. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, which usually takes 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan from heat before adding the next batch of flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Then mix in the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture will be the cozy backbone of your Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, marrying savory, creamy, and tangy flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Pimentos, and Spaghetti
Fold in the cooked, chopped chicken and drained diced pimentos, followed by the cooked spaghetti. Make sure everything is well combined so every bite has a perfect balance of cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and those sweet pimento pops. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish and level it out gently.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create that irresistible golden crust. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and the cheese topping turns golden brown. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle and the dish firms up for easy scooping.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top for a burst of fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness. A light dusting of smoked paprika adds a gentle smoky note and pretty presentation. If you like some heat, a few crushed red pepper flakes work wonders tossed on just before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with crisp salads like a tangy vinaigrette-dressed arugula or a crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a vegetable side, roasted green beans or steamed broccoli add a fresh, vibrant crunch that complements the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in the baking dish for a cozy dinner, or portion it out into individual ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for gatherings. You can even turn leftovers into skillet lunches—pan-fry a scoop until crispy edges form for an extra-textured treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This casserole holds its flavor and texture well, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing raw, assemble the dish and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. To freeze baked leftovers, pack portions in freezer-safe containers with a secure lid. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325ºF until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture and prevent drying out. If in a hurry, microwaving works too—cover the dish to keep moisture and stir halfway for even heating. A few minutes is all it takes to enjoy that freshly baked goodness again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides the classic sharpness, you can swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a cheese blend for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure your cheese melts well to maintain that creamy sauce.
Is this recipe best with fresh or rotisserie chicken?
Either works wonderfully! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor and convenience, but freshly cooked chicken breast or thighs shredded into bite-sized pieces also shines in this dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for added heartiness. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup and your favorite cheese, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian meal.
What’s the role of Worcestershire sauce in this dish?
The Worcestershire sauce adds depth and a subtle umami complexity that lifts the creamy, cheesy flavors without overpowering them. It’s a secret ingredient that truly makes this Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti Recipe special.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you want a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. It’s an easy way to personalize the heat level.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I am to dive into this deliciously creamy, cheesy, and savory Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a beautiful comfort food that’s surprisingly straightforward to make and guaranteed to fill your home with the warm, inviting smell of baked goodness. Whether it becomes a weeknight staple or your next special occasion dish, it’s sure to bring smiles and happy bellies all around. Go ahead, grab your ingredients, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Pimento Cheese Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that combines tender cooked chicken, tangy pimentos, and rich cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole blends classic Southern flavors with hearty spaghetti, all baked to golden cheesy perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz thin spaghetti
Sauce
- ½ cup butter
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Add-ins
- 1 (4-oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the thin spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat once thickened.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the thickened sauce along with the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy cheese sauce base.
- Add Chicken, Pimentos, and Spaghetti: Fold in the cooked chopped chicken, drained diced pimentos, and the cooked spaghetti into the cheese sauce, mixing well so everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; just add additional baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten free.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
