Description
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a flavorful, comforting fusion dish combining the zest of taco seasoning with creamy, cheesy spaghetti baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, it features tender chicken, salsa, and a Mexican cheese blend, all layered and baked in a casserole for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
- 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: 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups of the Mexican blend cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Combine Pasta and Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the chicken mixture and stir gently to evenly coat the pasta without breaking it.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, then serve warm for a delicious taco-inspired pasta meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked ground beef or turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Use mild or hot salsa to adjust the spice level to your taste.
- For a creamier texture, add a little extra sour cream or cheese.
- Make sure to cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
