The Supreme Chicken Spaghetti Recipe That Family Will Adore

Creamy chicken spaghetti promises a delightful culinary adventure that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Southern comfort food meets cheesy goodness in this irresistible dish.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that warms the heart.

Packed with rich ingredients and simple techniques, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal in no time.

The combination of melted cheese, succulent chicken, and al dente spaghetti creates a harmonious blend that satisfies deep comfort food cravings.

Every forkful promises a delectable journey through classic home-style cooking.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate comfort meal that brings pure happiness to the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Spaghetti Ingredient Essentials

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that provides hearty foundation, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Chicken, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Chicken Broth: Protein-packed ingredients that create creamy, rich layers of flavor, select free-range chicken for better taste and tender shredded meat.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds luxurious thickness and enhances overall savory profile, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that build deep, complex flavor profile, choose crisp, firm produce for maximum taste.
• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables, select unsalted butter to manage seasoning.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that elevates dish's warmth and depth, adjust according to personal heat preference.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds tangy brightness and subtle heat, select fire-roasted variety for more robust flavor.

Tools That Make Pasta Prep Simple

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the creamy sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Colander: Needed to drain the cooked spaghetti efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing the sauce.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions and green peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for dicing vegetables and shredding chicken.

Instructions for Making Chicken Spaghetti

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get your pot of water bubbling and toss in the spaghetti. Cook until it’s just right – tender but with a slight bite. Drain and set aside.

• Sauté Veggie Base

Warm up a skillet and melt some butter. Toss in chopped onions, green peppers, and garlic. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes until they’re fragrant and golden.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in the cream of chicken soup, zesty diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, chicken broth, and sour cream. Sprinkle in some garlic and onion powders with a dash of salt and pepper. Stir until everything melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

• Mix Chicken and Noodles

Fold in your shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti. Make sure every strand gets coated in that incredible cheesy goodness.

• Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with an extra handful of cheese. Pop it in the oven and bake until the top is golden and cheese is melted and bubbling.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig into this comforting, cheesy masterpiece. Pure deliciousness awaits!

Additions to Enhance the Sauce or Pasta

• Prep the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze and lets flavors meld beautifully.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or canned tuna for quick protein alternatives that keep the dish exciting and versatile.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the vegetable sautéing step. These additions enhance flavor and nutritional value without changing the core recipe.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure cream of chicken soup is gluten-free certified. This simple switch makes the dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the same delicious taste.
• Adjust cayenne and green chilies to match your heat preference. For mild lovers, reduce or omit spicy ingredients; for heat seekers, add extra cayenne or include fresh jalapeños for a kick.

How to Serve This Dish for Family Meals

• Family Dinner Night: Create a warm, inviting atmosphere by serving this cheesy chicken spaghetti with soft garlic bread and a crisp green salad on the side. The combination offers a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering. Its creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a guaranteed hit that travels well and serves multiple people easily.
• Leftover: Transform any remaining spaghetti into lunch the next day. Pack in containers for a delicious work or school meal that tastes just as amazing when reheated, maintaining its rich, cheesy goodness.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a burst of color and a light, fresh flavor that cuts through the dish's richness.

Storage Tips for Leftovers That Stay Tasty

• Cool the casserole completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture. Transfer to an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Safely store leftovers in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to retain flavor and prevent bacterial growth. Use shallow containers for faster cooling and even storage.
• Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain original taste and consistency.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of adding cream of chicken soup to this recipe?

The cream of chicken soup adds rich, creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish, helping to bind the ingredients together and create a smooth, comforting sauce.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save you time. Simply shred the meat and add it to the skillet as the recipe suggests, which makes preparation even easier.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and optional cayenne pepper. If you prefer less heat, you can omit the cayenne or use mild diced tomatoes to control the spice level.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

You can substitute regular cheese with low-fat cheese, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose whole wheat spaghetti, and add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase nutritional value.

Mouthwatering Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy chicken spaghetti emerges as a comforting Texan casserole packed with flavor. Southern kitchens love this hearty one-dish meal that brings families together with simple, satisfying ingredients you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250g) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and reserve for later assembly.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, green bell peppers, and garlic until softened and fragrant, releasing their vibrant flavors.
3. Sauce Fusion: Blend cream of chicken soup, fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, sour cream, and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne) into a harmonious, creamy sauce. Stir until cheese melts completely and ingredients integrate seamlessly.
4. Protein and Pasta Integration: Introduce shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is lavishly coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
5. Baking Preparation: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish. Distribute remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating an enticing golden layer.
6. Oven Transformation: Bake at 350°F until cheese melts into a bubbly, golden-brown crust with crispy edges, typically 25-30 minutes.
7. Serving Finalization: Allow casserole to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and sauce slightly thicken. Optional herb garnish can enhance visual appeal and freshness.

Notes

Select High-Quality Protein: Choose tender, well-cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and easier shredding, ensuring meat remains juicy and doesn’t dry out during baking.

Control Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti just shy of package instructions to prevent overcooking, as pasta continues absorbing sauce during baking and can become mushy if initially overcooked.

Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and green chilies according to personal heat tolerance, gradually increasing for more adventurous palates or reducing for milder versions without compromising overall dish complexity.

Optimize Cheese Melting: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar instead of pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth sauce development and impact melting consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 90mg