Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

There is something so comforting about a bubbling, cheesy casserole bursting with familiar flavors. Chicken Spaghetti is a dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, the gentle warmth of spices, and a gloriously creamy sauce that soaks into every strand of pasta. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight family favorite or a dish to bring to a potluck, Chicken Spaghetti delivers crowd-pleasing satisfaction in every bite. If you’ve never made it from scratch, get ready to meet your new go-to recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Spaghetti gets its rich, crave-worthy taste from a handful of pantry staples and fresh goodies. Each ingredient adds a special something—whether it’s bold flavor, melty texture, or vibrant color—so be sure to gather everything before you start!

• Spaghetti noodles (12 oz): The foundation of our dish, perfectly al dente to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded): Use leftover, poached, or rotisserie chicken for ease and tenderness.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret to that velvety, comforting texture; opt for low-sodium if you prefer less salt.
• Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, drained): Adds just the right zing and a pop of color—choose mild or hot for your preferred spice level.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Deepens the savory flavor and keeps things luscious, never dry.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): For that golden, gooey topping and rich, sharp flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Gives our bake irresistible stretchiness and mild creaminess.
• Small onion (diced): Builds a flavor base with gentle sweetness and aroma.
• Green bell pepper (diced): Adds crunch, color, and just a touch of bitterness to balance the richness.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must for depth—freshly minced packs the most punch!
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing veggies to peak tenderness and flavor.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Rounds out the spices with earthy, gentle warmth.
• Cayenne pepper (½ tsp, optional): For those who love a little kick—add to taste.
• Salt (1 tsp) & black pepper (½ tsp): Essential seasonings; taste and adjust for your perfect balance.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Finishes the bake with nutty, salty notes.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then drop in your spaghetti noodles. Cook them just until al dente—so they hold up later in the oven—then drain and set aside. Typically, taking a minute off the package instructions keeps them perfectly firm for baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the pasta drains, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring gently, until everything is softened and fragrant. This is your chance to coax out those beautiful flavors that form the backbone of classic Chicken Spaghetti.

Step 3: Make the Flavorful Sauce

Add your shredded chicken to the skillet, then stir in the cream of chicken soup, drained Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes. All the spices and savory notes meld together, making the kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta & Melt the Cheese

Now, add your cooked spaghetti noodles right into the skillet. Use tongs to gently toss everything together, making sure every strand gets coated in that creamy, spiced sauce. Stir in half of your cheddar and mozzarella cheeses; keep stirring over gentle heat until the cheese melts into a dreamy, cohesive mixture.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the chicken and spaghetti mixture to the dish, smoothing it out. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top, then finish off with a scattering of grated Parmesan cheese. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes—until everything is bubbly and golden with cheesy perfection.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When the casserole is out of the oven, finish it with a shower of fresh parsley. This final touch adds bright flavor and makes the whole dish look as good as it tastes. Serve while it’s still warm, and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finisher for Chicken Spaghetti, but don’t hesitate to get creative! Fresh chives, thinly sliced green onions, or even a little extra grated Parmesan can all add a fresh and zesty finish. If you love a hit of heat, a few sliced jalapeños or a dusting of smoked paprika really make the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

This casserole is incredibly satisfying, but rounding out your meal is as easy as adding a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of that cheesy sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables—like broccoli or green beans—also make a colorful, wholesome pairing for Chicken Spaghetti.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner-party twist, try baking Chicken Spaghetti in individual ramekins for personal servings. Or, for a more elegant presentation, spoon generous portions into shallow pasta bowls, top with fresh herbs, and drizzle with a little olive oil. If you’re serving a crowd, add a festive touch with a pretty casserole dish and a few extra garnishes before bringing it to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Spaghetti keeps beautifully in the fridge. Once your casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. It will stay fresh for up to four days—perfect for quick, delicious lunches or an easy heat-and-eat dinner!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Chicken Spaghetti, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze before baking and skip the parsley garnish until you reheat and serve. This way, it’ll taste freshly baked even weeks later. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bake leftovers in a covered dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly, which usually takes about 20 minutes. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even warmth. If the pasta looks a bit dry, a splash of broth or milk can revive its creamy texture—just be sure to sprinkle on a bit of fresh cheese before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or rotini. Just cook them to al dente and proceed as written—the creamy sauce will cling beautifully to any shape.

Is Chicken Spaghetti spicy?

The level of heat depends on your choice of Rotel and whether you add the optional cayenne pepper. Use mild Rotel and skip the cayenne if you prefer a family-friendly, non-spicy version, or ramp up both for extra warmth!

Can I make Chicken Spaghetti in advance?

Chicken Spaghetti is a make-ahead superstar! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This not only saves you time but also lets the flavors meld for an even tastier dish.

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?

After cooking (or using rotisserie chicken), let the meat cool slightly, then use two forks to pull it into bite-sized shreds. For an even easier method, a stand mixer with the paddle attachment will shred warm chicken in seconds!

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Chicken Spaghetti is delicious with chopped mushrooms, peas, or even sautéed zucchini added along with the other veggies. Just be sure to sauté any extra vegetables first to keep the casserole from getting watery.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Spaghetti is one of those nostalgic, happiness-inducing meals that has a way of bringing everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you follow this recipe to the letter or put your own spin on it, you’ll end up with a dish that’s cheesy, cozy, and irresistibly good. Give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every creamy, savory bite!

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