Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a cheesy and creamy recipe, which is made with rich mascarpone cheese and tender rotisserie chicken. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 45 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1-2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- 1 1/2 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake
- Prep Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the spaghetti in a pot of salted, boiling water for two minutes less than the package directs. Drain and set aside.
- Start the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 15-30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Build the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, mascarpone cheese, basil, oregano, and marjoram to the skillet. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked chicken into the sauce, followed by 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the undercooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to combine. Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to prevent mushy pasta? Undercooking the spaghetti by a couple of minutes is the most important step. It will finish cooking in the oven as it absorbs the sauce, resulting in a perfect al dente texture in the final casserole.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
- What if I don’t have mascarpone? Mascarpone adds a unique richness, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of full-fat cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- What’s a good shortcut for the chicken? Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds a ton of flavor. Simply shred the meat and you’re ready to go.
What To Serve With Chicken Spaghetti Bake
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but it also pairs nicely with:
- A simple green salad with a light Italian vinaigrette
- Warm garlic bread or crusty breadsticks
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
How To Store Chicken Spaghetti Bake
- Refrigerate: Cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 431kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 24g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. If you don’t have spaghetti, this casserole is also delicious with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or a short pasta like penne or ziti.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely. A cup of sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or even some chopped bell peppers would be a delicious and nutritious addition. Stir them into the sauce along with the chicken.
Is this casserole spicy?
As written, this recipe is savory and not spicy. To add a bit of heat, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the other herbs.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Dorito Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Description
A comforting baked spaghetti casserole with tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato and mascarpone sauce, all topped with a golden, bubbly layer of mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook spaghetti 2 minutes less than package directions; drain.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add tomatoes, broth, mascarpone, and herbs. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the undercooked spaghetti with the sauce.
- Pour into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUndercooking the pasta initially is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy in the final baked dish.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing a rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds a ton of flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eMascarpone cheese creates an exceptionally rich and creamy sauce.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe casserole can be assembled a day in advance (without the topping) and refrigerated.u003c/liu003e
Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
