If there’s one recipe I turn to when I need something warm, cheesy, and comforting that everyone will happily devour, it’s Chicken Spaghetti. This dish is rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. Whether it’s for a family dinner, potluck, or even a meal prep favorite, this recipe never fails to please.
The best part? It’s easy to throw together with simple ingredients and delivers that cozy, satisfying flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Here’s exactly how I make this beloved classic that always has people going back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
- Great way to use up leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken
- Simple pantry staples and minimal prep
- Kid-friendly and perfect for family dinners or gatherings
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken into smaller pieces
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
How I Make Chicken Spaghetti
1. Cook the Pasta
I start by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. I drain it and set it aside.
2. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, I mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add the Chicken and Cheese
I stir in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Then I add the cooked spaghetti and toss everything together until the pasta is coated and cheesy.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
I pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Top with More Cheese
I sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake
I bake the chicken spaghetti at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve
I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving up big, creamy scoops of goodness.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra hot Rotel.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.
- This dish freezes beautifully — just assemble, cover, and freeze before baking.
What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti
- Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
- A fresh green salad with Italian dressing
- Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
- Roasted brussels sprouts for a hearty veggie side
- Sweet iced tea or lemonade for a Southern-style meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze chicken spaghetti?
A: Yes! Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Definitely. Penne or rotini also work well, but spaghetti is the classic choice.
Q: Can I make this without canned soups?
A: Yes! You can make a homemade roux with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk if you prefer from-scratch ingredients.
Creamy, Cheesy, and Always a Family Favorite
This Chicken Spaghetti is one of those comforting recipes that brings everyone to the table with smiles and empty plates. It’s warm, cheesy, and full of flavor — exactly what comfort food should be. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or freeze it for later, it’s a dish that will always hit the spot.
If you try it, let me know how it turned out! Add your favorite twist, extra cheese, or veggies, and enjoy every creamy bite.
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti: A Classic Comfort Dish Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced bell peppers until they are tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Add the sautéed bell peppers to the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
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