Anabelle The Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, spaghetti pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked until bubbly. Unlike traditional spaghetti recipes with tomato-based sauces, this version leans into rich creaminess with cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and peppers for flavor.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole-style spaghetti brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and freezes beautifully, making it a reliable go-to dish.
A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe takes a familiar Italian ingredient—spaghetti—and transforms it into a Southern-style baked casserole. Loaded with chicken, vegetables, and a cheesy sauce, it’s baked until golden and slightly crisp on top. The Pioneer Woman’s version has become a classic because it balances convenience (using cream soups) with homestyle comfort.
Try Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
- Pioneer Woman Cowboy Caviar
- Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie Dump Cake
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Stroganoff
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie
Why This Recipe is Worth Trying
- Family-friendly – kids and adults love its creamy, cheesy taste.
- Make-ahead option – perfect for freezing and baking later.
- Feeds a crowd – ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
- Simple pantry ingredients – no fancy steps, yet delicious.
- Comfort food at its best – filling, hearty, and warming.
Essential Ingredients for This Recipe
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced, about 3 cups)
- Spaghetti pasta (uncooked, 1 lb)
- Cream of mushroom soup (2 cans)
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- Chicken broth (2 cups)
- Green bell pepper (1, chopped)
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped)
- Onion (1, chopped)
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated)
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (to taste)
Useful Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Shred cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great) and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté vegetables
In a skillet, cook chopped onions and peppers until softened.
Step 4: Mix the sauce
In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, seasonings, and half the cheddar cheese. Stir in the sautéed vegetables.
Step 5: Combine pasta and chicken
Add spaghetti and shredded chicken into the sauce mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Step 6: Transfer to baking dish
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake until bubbly
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, until hot and the cheese is melted and golden.
What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)
- Boiling pasta too soft – made the dish mushy; fixed by cooking al dente.
- Not enough seasoning – tasted bland; fixed with cayenne pepper and more salt.
- Cheese only on top – lacked depth; fixed by mixing cheese into the sauce too.
- Adding chicken raw – resulted in undercooked meat; fixed by using fully cooked chicken.
Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
To lighten this dish, replace regular cream soups with low-fat versions, use whole wheat pasta, and add more vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Swapping some of the cheddar cheese for reduced-fat cheese also lowers calories without losing flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling fresh chicken.
- Replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Colby Jack.
- Substitute spaghetti with penne or fusilli for a different texture.
- Swap cream soups with homemade béchamel sauce for a fresher taste.
Unexpected Ways to Enjoy This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
- Stuffed in bell peppers – bake inside hollowed peppers for portion control.
- As a freezer meal – make in advance and freeze for busy nights.
- Turn into a pasta bake topping – add breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- In small ramekins – bake into individual servings.
- Paired with salad – balance the richness with fresh greens.
Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Success
- Cook pasta correctly – slightly underdone works best.
- Don’t skimp on cheese – it’s what makes it comforting.
- Season well – soups can be bland, so taste before baking.
- Mix evenly – coat spaghetti thoroughly for consistent flavor.
- Let it rest before serving – makes slicing easier.
- Double the recipe – one for now, one for the freezer.
Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
- Add mushrooms – sautéed mushrooms add umami.
- Make it spicy – jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Use turkey – swap chicken for leftover holiday turkey.
- Top with crispy onions – for a crunchy finish.
- Add bacon bits – for smoky, salty flavor.
Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti
- Refrigerate leftovers – store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze before baking – assemble the dish and freeze; bake when needed.
- Freeze after baking – cool completely, then freeze portions.
- Reheat thoroughly – ensure it’s piping hot before serving.
Ways to Warm It Up Again
- Oven method – cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot.
- Microwave – reheat individual servings for quick meals.
- From frozen – thaw overnight, then bake as usual.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: ~800mg
Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
This recipe takes a familiar Italian ingredient—spaghetti—and transforms it into a Southern-style baked casserole. Loaded with chicken, vegetables, and a cheesy sauce, it’s baked until golden and slightly crisp on top. The Pioneer Woman’s version has become a classic because it balances convenience (using cream soups) with homestyle comfort.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
Cooked chicken (shredded or diced, about 3 cups)
-
Spaghetti pasta (uncooked, 1 lb)
-
Cream of mushroom soup (2 cans)
-
Cream of chicken soup (1 can)
-
Chicken broth (2 cups)
-
Green bell pepper (1, chopped)
-
Red bell pepper (1, chopped)
-
Onion (1, chopped)
-
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated)
-
Seasonings: salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Shred cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great) and set aside.
In a skillet, cook chopped onions and peppers until softened.
In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, seasonings, and half the cheddar cheese. Stir in the sautéed vegetables.
Add spaghetti and shredded chicken into the sauce mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted and golden.
FAQs
Where does Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti originate from?
Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti is inspired by Southern comfort food traditions in the United States. Ree Drummond, known as the Pioneer Woman, popularized her version by turning classic baked casseroles into family-friendly dishes, combining chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
How do you keep chicken spaghetti from getting dry?
To prevent chicken spaghetti from drying out, avoid overbaking and make sure there is enough liquid in the sauce. Using chicken broth and cream soups helps keep the pasta moist. Covering the dish with foil during the first half of baking also locks in moisture.
Can Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole and cook it directly from frozen with extra time in the oven.
What is the best cheese for chicken spaghetti?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti, but you can also use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend for extra creaminess and flavor. Mixing some cheese into the sauce and sprinkling more on top gives the best results.
Wrapping It Up
The Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is the definition of homestyle comfort food. With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese baked together, it’s a dish that wins over everyone at the table.
