Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Quick Chicken Spaghetti Recipe to Try Now

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy chicken spaghetti that promises to satisfy every taste bud.

Creamy, cheesy goodness mingles with tender chicken pieces, creating a mouthwatering meal everyone will adore.

The combination of melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish a weeknight winner.

Hearty and simple, this recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor.

Each bite brings a delightful blend of rich cheese and succulent chicken that will have you coming back for seconds.

Pasta lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will find this dish absolutely irresistible.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing classic that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Tips For Chicken Spaghetti Flavor

  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which helps flavors meld and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Texture Trick: For extra crispy top, broil the last 2-3 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, crunchy cheese layer that adds delightful texture.
  • Protein Power: Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or ground turkey for a quick protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
  • Low-Carb Hack: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a gluten-free, lower-carbohydrate version perfect for health-conscious eaters.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot diced tomatoes with chilies, or add jalapeños for extra kick – customize the spiciness to match your flavor preference.

Serve Chicken Spaghetti Warm

  • Family Feast Night: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty chicken spaghetti as a comforting weekend dinner that brings everyone together.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this dish to community gatherings or potluck events where it will surely be a crowd-favorite with its creamy texture and delicious blend of flavors.
  • Game Day Goodness: Serve alongside crisp green salad and garlic bread for a satisfying meal perfect during sports watching or casual weekend get-togethers with friends.
  • Side Dish Companion: Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add extra nutrition and create a well-rounded meal that will please everyone at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Chicken Spaghetti

For Pasta Base:
  • Spaghetti: Perfect pasta foundation that soaks up delicious sauce and provides hearty texture, choose high-quality bronze-cut pasta for better sauce absorption.
For Protein and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chicken, Butter, Chicken Broth: Tender protein that adds richness and substance, select boneless skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding, opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that creates silky texture and deep savory flavor, select reduced-sodium versions for healthier option.
For Fresh and Zesty Components:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build complex flavor profile, choose firm peppers with vibrant color and fresh onions without soft spots.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Adds tangy brightness and mild heat, select fire-roasted variety for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that provides creamy richness, blend different cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack for more interesting taste.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds color and bright finish, choose crisp, deep green leaves without wilting.
For Seasoning and Binding:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.

Gear Up For Chicken Spaghetti

  • Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Large Pot: Perfect for boiling spaghetti and ensuring it's cooked al dente.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for baking the chicken spaghetti casserole and achieving a golden top.
  • Colander: Necessary for draining the cooked spaghetti quickly and efficiently.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure cheese, broth, and other ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping parsley and preparing vegetables.

Easy Steps To Make Chicken Spaghetti

  • Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Boil The Pasta

Get a big pot of salty water bubbling and cook spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

  • Sizzle The Veggies

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in onions and bell peppers, letting them dance and soften for a few minutes. Add a quick burst of garlic and let it sizzle.

  • Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

Blend mushroom soup, chicken soup, zesty tomatoes, chicken broth, most of the cheese, and your favorite seasonings until smooth and dreamy.

  • Mix And Marry The Ingredients

Fold in the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken, coating every strand with the luscious sauce.

  • Bake To Perfection

Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake until it’s golden and bubbling with deliciousness.

  • Serve And Enjoy

Let it rest briefly, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and dive into this comforting meal.

Store Chicken Spaghetti For Later

  • Smart Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated chicken spaghetti stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors and texture.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen chicken spaghetti keeps quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm in oven at 350F for best results. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Add 2-3 tablespoons chicken broth to restore moisture. Microwave works for quick single servings, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
  • Portion Planning: Divide into individual servings before storing. Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Label with date and contents for easy kitchen organization. Perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
Print
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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Classic chicken spaghetti delivers comfort on a plate with creamy sauce and tender pasta. Southern kitchens embrace this hearty casserole that satisfies hunger and warms souls.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional)
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
  2. Pasta Preparation: Boil pasta in heavily salted water until al dente, drain thoroughly, and set aside to cool and dry slightly.
  3. Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and bell peppers until translucent, then quickly introduce minced garlic for an aromatic burst.
  4. Sauce Creation: Whisk together cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and half of the shredded cheese until smooth and consistent in texture.
  5. Protein and Pasta Integration: Fold shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete and even coating of all ingredients.
  6. Baking Assembly: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese across the surface to create a tempting golden crust.
  7. Thermal Transformation: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble and cheese melts into a gorgeous bronzed layer. Allow 5-10 minutes of resting time after removing from oven.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top and serve hot, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Optimize Pasta Tenderness: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring perfect texture throughout the dish.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk cheese and condensed soup thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy consistency that won’t break or become grainy during cooking.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili content or swap with milder pepper variants for family-friendly versions or personalized heat preferences.
  • Enhance Protein Flexibility: Substitute chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein alternatives for diverse dietary needs and flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 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
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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