Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe That’s Comfort on a Plate

A creamy chicken spaghetti casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Southern kitchens have perfected this classic dish through generations of passionate cooking.

The cheesy, hearty blend combines tender pasta and succulent meat in one delightful pan.

Peppers and onions add unexpected bursts of flavor that dance across your palate.

Weeknight meals rarely come together as effortlessly as this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Mom’s secret touches make each bite feel like a warm embrace from home.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary magic that everyone will adore.

What Goes Great With Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy richness of the chicken spaghetti, balancing its heavy texture with bright, zesty notes.
  • Match with Rustic Red Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the dish's creamy and cheesy profile, adding freshness and acidity.
  • Complement with Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy side to soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall eating experience with its complementary flavors.
  • Serve with Chilled Coleslaw: A crisp, cool coleslaw with a hint of tanginess helps balance the warm, rich chicken spaghetti, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta.

Easy Variations Of Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace diced tomatoes with roasted green chilies and add jalapeños for extra heat. Swap out regular cheese for pepper jack to boost the zesty flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano. Use olive oil instead of butter and add kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Creamy Alfredo Transformation: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with alfredo sauce. Mix in spinach and use rotisserie chicken for a rich, luxurious pasta experience.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Medley: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.

Questions About Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

  • What makes this chicken spaghetti different from other pasta dishes?

This recipe combines classic comfort food elements with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a southwestern twist from the diced tomatoes with chilies, creating a uniquely flavorful one-pan meal that’s both easy and delicious.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving option that adds extra flavor and makes preparation even quicker. Simply shred the meat and mix it into the sauce as directed.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with chilies, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can add additional green chilies or a dash of hot sauce. If you want it milder, choose plain diced tomatoes instead.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

Why Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Stays A Classic

  • Whip Up Family Comfort: This chicken spaghetti casserole delivers pure homestyle comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Tackle Effortless Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, requiring just one skillet and a baking dish to create a complete meal.
  • Speed Through Dinner Prep: From start to finish, you'll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for hungry families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust spice levels, or use rotisserie chicken to personalize this adaptable recipe that welcomes creative cooking variations.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Ingredient List

Pasta Base:
  • Spaghetti: Classic pasta that serves as the foundation of the dish, holding the creamy sauce and absorbing flavors.
Protein:
  • Chicken, Shredded: Tender protein that adds substance and heartiness to the casserole, best when pre-cooked and shredded.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and sweetness, adding texture and flavor to the dish.
  • Garlic: Intense flavor booster that enhances the overall taste profile.
Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Convenient base that creates a rich, creamy sauce with complex flavor.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and creates a golden, crispy layer when baked.
Liquid and Seasoning Elements:
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory flavor of the casserole.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Introduces a slight tang and mild heat to the dish.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.
Herbs and Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the dish.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

How To Cook Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. When the water reaches a rolling boil, drop in the spaghetti. Cook until it’s just tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Sizzle The Veggies

Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced bell peppers

Sauté these colorful vegetables until they soften and become slightly translucent. Quickly add minced garlic and cook for another quick 30 seconds to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

Stir in these delicious ingredients:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Chicken broth
  • Shredded cheese
  • Your favorite seasonings

Blend everything until the sauce becomes smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Fold in the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken. Ensure every strand is beautifully coated with the rich, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, bubbly top that screams “comfort food”!

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to settle its flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Helpful Advice For Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

  • Perfectly Cook Pasta: Ensure spaghetti is al dente by testing texture a minute before package instructions suggest, preventing mushy results in the final dish.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for enhanced flavor complexity and personal preference.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with chilies, or substitute with plain diced tomatoes for a milder version suitable for sensitive palates.
  • Shred Chicken Strategically: Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation or shred freshly cooked chicken breasts for a more homemade texture and flavor depth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, perfect for busy weeknight meal planning.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Seal the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
  • Avoid freezing this casserole, as the creamy sauce and pasta may separate and become grainy when thawed.
  • For best quality, consume within 2-3 days of preparation.
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Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken spaghetti brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with its cheesy, hearty embrace. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
  • 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10 ounces) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained

Vegetables, Seasonings, and Cheese:

  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a moderate temperature and coating a rectangular baking vessel with a light protective layer to prevent sticking.
  2. Immerse pasta strands in a generously salted boiling water bath, cooking until they reach a delicate tender state. Carefully extract and set aside, allowing residual moisture to dissipate.
  3. Select a spacious skillet and gently melt dairy fat over moderate warmth. Introduce finely chopped aromatic vegetables, allowing them to soften and release their essential flavors. Incorporate minced garlic for a brief moment to enhance the aromatic profile.
  4. Craft a velvety sauce by blending creamy condensed soup varieties, zesty diced tomatoes with piquant chilies, savory liquid essence, and a substantial portion of shredded dairy. Whisk methodically until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
  5. Integrate tender shredded poultry and prepared pasta into the luscious sauce, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly enrobed with the rich, creamy mixture.
  6. Transfer the complete amalgamation into the prepared cooking vessel. Crown the surface with remaining cheese fragments, creating an enticing golden topping.
  7. Position within the preheated oven, allowing the casserole to transform into a bubbling, bronzed delicacy. After emerging from thermal treatment, permit a brief resting period to stabilize internal temperatures.
  8. Embellish with freshly chopped verdant herbs and serve while maintaining optimal warmth, inviting diners to savor this comforting culinary creation.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting the type of diced tomatoes with chilies, from mild to spicy, allowing personalization for different taste preferences.
  • Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the dish’s rich flavor profile.
  • Enhance protein content by using rotisserie chicken or adding extra shredded chicken for a heartier meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
  • Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except the final cheese topping, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve, making meal planning easier.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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