Enhanced Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• Pasta:
• 8 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
• Chicken:
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
• Casserole Base:
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (or more for desired consistency)
• Vegetables:
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and nutrition)
• Cheese:
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, for topping
• Seasonings:
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Topping:
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for browning the topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Mix the Casserole Base:

• In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Stir in the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and frozen peas (if using). Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

1. Transfer to Baking Dish:

• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

1. Prepare the Topping:

• In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

1. Serve:

• Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chicken Spaghetti Casserole!

Tips:

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the casserole base for extra depth of flavor.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Variations: Consider adding diced tomatoes or a splash of white wine for additional flavor. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey for a post-holiday twist!

This enhanced version will bring out more flavors and textures in your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Enjoy! 🍽️✨