My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves
Every family has that one dish—the go-to recipe that shows up at every potluck, always gets second helpings, and earns you a flurry of recipe requests. This is mine. My Famous Chicken Spaghetti has earned its place as the most-requested comfort food in my kitchen, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect balance of savory chicken, tender noodles, and just a hint of heat. Whether you’re feeding your family, planning a make-ahead freezer meal, or showing up to a gathering with a guaranteed hit, this dish checks every box.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s a reason this one never fails—it’s the ultimate comfort food. The creamy sauce made from mushroom soup and cheddar melts beautifully into the spaghetti, binding it all together with richness. A touch of pimento and green pepper adds color and depth, while Lawry’s seasoned salt and cayenne give just the right amount of zip.
It also fits real life: easy to prep ahead, freezer-friendly, and incredibly adaptable. You can toss it together after a rotisserie chicken run or make it from scratch on Sunday and bake it fresh midweek. It’s my delicious secret weapon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely diced green pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 1 jar (4-ounce) diced pimentos, drained
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup additional sharp cheddar, for topping
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Cream of chicken or celery works as a substitute.
- Cheese: Extra sharp cheddar adds a bold tang, but Monterey Jack or Colby are great for a milder flavor.
- Spaghetti: You can sub in penne or rotini for a twist on texture.
- Spice Level: Like it hotter? Go with ¼ teaspoon cayenne or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Chicken
Use a cut-up fryer or any bone-in chicken. Simmer until cooked through, then remove and shred the meat. Reserve 2 cups of the broth for cooking the spaghetti.
2. Boil the Spaghetti
In the reserved broth, cook the broken spaghetti noodles until al dente. Avoid overcooking—they’ll continue to soften in the oven.
3. Mix Everything Together
Combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, green pepper, onion, pimentos, seasoned salt, cayenne, and reserved broth. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble
Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.
5. Bake or Store
- To Bake Immediately: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Make-Ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to 6 months.
- Tip: If cheese browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Tips for Success
- Use a rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Don’t overcook pasta—it continues cooking in the oven.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking to set the creamy texture.
- Make two and freeze one—you’ll thank yourself later.
What to Serve With It
Pair this rich, creamy casserole with a bright, simple side or a hearty Southern dish:
- A crisp salad or garlic green beans to cut the richness.
- A slice of One Pan Breakfast Bake for brunch gatherings.
- For a Southern comfort feast, serve alongside Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
- Or, bring it to a potluck with Cheesy Chicken Sliders and watch both dishes vanish.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 6 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Rewarm in oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in portions.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Keep the comfort going with more cozy favorites:
- Chicken Enchiladas – full of flavor and freezer-friendly too.
- Instant Pot Lasagna – fast and fuss-free.
- Cheesy Chicken Sliders – great for game day or a fun dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Spaghetti is more than just dinner—it’s a legacy dish in the making. Easy, cheesy, and totally comforting, it’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again. Whether baked fresh, pulled from the freezer, or doubled up for guests, it always delivers.
Tried it? Tag me or leave a comment—let’s keep sharing the comfort. And don’t forget to follow for more cozy classics and make-ahead favorites!
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