This Chicken taco spaghetti is a delicious Mexican chicken spaghetti that's easy to make and loved by the whole family. Enjoy a fun blend of Italian and Mexican flavors in this easy-to-make, creamy, and cheesy casserole.
Our Taco Spaghetti Casserole, or Mexican Chicken Spaghetti recipe? (Not sure which one to call it.) combines cozy comfort and zesty excitement.
This recipe is a fantastic mash-up that brings together the best of two worlds: the comforting goodness of spaghetti and the bold, lively flavors of tacos. It’s a simple, yet mouthwatering meal that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a kick of taco spices.
Every bite is a mix of familiar comfort and exciting new tastes, perfect for shaking up your dinner routine. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a fun new recipe to try, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
It's easy to make, a joy to eat, and just the right kind of different to be memorable. Let’s dive into this comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s bound to become a new favorite in your home!
If your looking for more taco Tuesday recipes, then don't miss out on The Best Quesabirria Tacos for a cheesy delight, the fun Taco Charcuterie Board where you get to make your own tacos.
And our scrumptious One-Skillet Chicken Fajita Tacos. These recipes are great for anyone who loves a little variety in their tacos!
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What You'll Love About This Recipe
- Effortless to Prepare: Simple steps and common ingredients make it a breeze to whip up.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique blend of flavors appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences and spice levels.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy, cheesy nature of the dish makes it incredibly comforting.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
Thin Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta: The backbone of this dish. Opt for higher quality pasta for the best texture and taste. The thinness of these pasta types absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Cooked Chicken: The protein star of the show. Using freshly roasted or grilled chicken adds a depth of flavor that can't be matched by pre-cooked varieties. Shredding or chopping it allows for easy distribution throughout the dish. For a quick and easy dinner, use rotisserie chicken.
Shredded Mexican Cheese: A melange of cheeses that melt into a gooey, comforting layer. The blend typically includes cheeses like Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla, each contributing its unique taste and texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy base adds a velvety texture to the casserole. Its subtle flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy richness, balancing the dish's flavors. Full-fat sour cream makes the casserole creamier, but for those watching their calorie intake, reduced-fat versions or plain Greek yogurt can be good alternatives.
Salsa: This zesty component can be as mild or as fiery as you like. It introduces a tomatoey goodness and a hint of Mexican flair.
Taco Seasoning: The heart of the taco flavor. A blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika, it infuses the dish with a warm, savory taste.
Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor that brightens up the whole dish.
Instructions
To get started with you chicken spaghettie bake, start by heating your oven to 350F. This is the perfect temperature for baking casseroles, as it allows for even cooking without burning the top.
While the oven heats, grab your 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a good coat with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensures easy serving later. Once coated, set the dish aside for now.
In a large mixing bowl, it's time to combine your ingredients. Add in the cooked spaghetti noodles, chicken, 1 cup of the cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning.
When cooking your pasta, make sure it's cooked just until al dente (still a bit firm) because it will continue to cook in the oven. Stir everything together until it's well mixed.
This is where all your flavors start to meld, creating that delicious creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy base for your casserole.
Next, take your pasta mixture and pour it into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of your spaghetti mixture. This extra layer of cheese will create a deliciously melty and golden top to your casserole.
Cover your baking dish with foil. This helps to keep the moisture in and prevents the top from getting too brown before the inside is fully cooked. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
You can remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
You'll know it's done when the cheese on top has completely melted and the casserole is bubbly.
Once your casserole is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve. It also cools it down to a safe eating temperature. Serve it warm and enjoy the blend of flavors!
And that's it! You've made a delicious Mexican chicken spaghetti that the whole family will love.
Substitutions
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with Cheddar, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
- Sour Cream Alternatives: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier twist, but will add a bit of a "sour" flavor.
- Pasta Options: Whole wheat pasta can be used for a healthier alternative.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
- Spice It Up: Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Creamy Dreamy: Incorporate cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerating: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other food odors. It's best consumed within three days.
- Freezing Tips: For longer storage, freeze portions in separate containers. This makes it easy to thaw and reheat just the amount you need.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. If frozen, allow additional time for thawing and reheating. To prevent drying out, add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating.
Top Tip
Perfect Pasta Preparation: The key to a successful Taco Spaghetti Casserole lies in how you prepare your pasta. Cook the spaghetti or angel hair pasta just until it's al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. This is crucial because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the casserole. To avoid this, set a timer and start checking the cooked pasta a couple of minutes before the package's suggested cooking time. Once cooked, drain it well to remove excess water, as this can make your casserole soggy.
Recipe
Taco Spaghetti Casserole
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, delicious meal perfect for family dinners, offering a comforting and flavorful experience combing pasta with the flavor of chicken tacos!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Fresh chopped cilantro for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix pasta, chicken, half the cheese, soup, sour cream, salsa, and seasoning.
- Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
Be sure to slightly undercook your pasta to avoid it becoming mushy in the oven while baking. You're going for slightly firm pasta.
We hope you enjoy this easy chicken spaghetti recipe. Let us know if you try it out!
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