Description
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender spaghetti, seasoned chicken, creamy soup, salsa, and melty Mexican cheese, baked to perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Topping
- 1/2 cup Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Add Pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the pasta mixture inside.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the cooked chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables.
- You can use homemade taco seasoning or store-bought for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To add extra veggies, consider mixing in diced bell peppers or corn before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a bit of chopped jalapeño or hot sauce to the mixture.
