Easy and Delicious Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This Easy and Delicious Chicken Spaghetti is exactly what your weeknight dinner dreams are made of—comforting, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, all wrapped around tender pasta and juicy chicken. It’s a soul-warming, family-friendly dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. The best part? It’s super simple to make and comes together with minimal fuss, perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Comfort Food: This chicken spaghetti is ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when time is tight but the craving for comfort food is real.
• Incredibly Satisfying: Between the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, every bite is downright delicious.
• Kid-Approved: This is one of those dishes that everyone at the table will enjoy, from picky eaters to grown-up foodies.
• Budget-Friendly: It uses pantry staples and stretches your ingredients to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to pull this dish together. Keep it simple, and feel free to adapt it to what you have on hand.

• Spaghetti: The classic choice for this dish—cooked just to al dente for the perfect texture.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves time. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This brings a creamy, savory base to the sauce. You can swap it for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a twist.
• Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of sharp cheddar adds that irresistible cheesy pull. Mix in a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
• Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a little tang and just the right hint of spice. If you prefer it milder, use regular diced tomatoes.
• Onion and Garlic: These build out the savory foundation. Sauté until soft and fragrant for the best flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce just enough so everything coats the spaghetti beautifully.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a touch of paprika round out the flavor. Add some crushed red pepper if you like it spicy.

Variations

Want to switch things up a bit? Go for it!

• Make it Spicier: Add a dash of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños if you want more heat.
• Swap the Protein: Try turkey, ham, or even cooked ground beef instead of chicken.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to make it heartier and more colorful.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook—it’s going to cook a little more when baked.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in a little oil until soft and fragrant. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine well. Then fold in most of the cheese, saving a little for the top.

Step 4: Bake It

Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool slightly before serving. That creamy, cheesy goodness is best enjoyed warm!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here. It adds flavor and saves time.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since it bakes in the oven too, slightly undercooked pasta will hold its texture better.
• Customize the Cheese: Add a mix of cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Crunch: Want a crispy topping? Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.

How to Serve

This chicken spaghetti is a meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:

Garnish:

Top with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Side Ideas:

Serve with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.

For a Cozy Night:

Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade for a comforting yet casual dinner vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it looks dry.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for meal prepping.

What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?
No worries—just use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili powder or paprika for flavor.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s tightly covered and cooled completely before freezing.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Definitely. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work just as well. Just avoid very small shapes like orzo which can get lost in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Easy and Delicious Chicken Spaghetti is the kind of recipe that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. It’s creamy, cheesy, cozy, and just the kind of no-stress dinner we all need more of. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals ahead, this dish brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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