Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food to brighten any day, look no further than this Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and savory veggies, it’s a hearty casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Packed with flavor and brimming with nostalgia, this dish wins hearts at family dinners and potlucks alike. The Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti makes weeknight meals effortless and utterly delicious, blending simple ingredients into something truly special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are the backbone of the Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti. Each one plays an important part, whether it’s creating a luscious sauce, adding a pop of color, or cozying up this casserole with homey flavors. Gather everything on this list, and you’re halfway to a crowd-pleasing meal!

• Spaghetti (8 ounces): The base that holds it all together; use regular or thin spaghetti for best texture.
• Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken works wonders for speed and flavor here.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Helps create that dreamy, flavorful sauce.
• Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds earthy depth and extra creaminess.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps everything luscious and prevents the casserole from drying out.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tang and silky richness to every bite.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melty, golden, and totally essential for that bubbly top.
• Onion, diced (1 small): Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch.
• Green bell pepper, diced (1): For a pop of color and a subtle zing.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Gives wonderful depth and aroma.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for tying all the flavors together.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth without overpowering.
• Paprika (¼ teaspoon): A little color and smoky sweetness to the background.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the veggies and unlocking their flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, fresh finish!

How to Make Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook it until just al dente, following your package directions for timing. You want noodles that are sturdy enough to hold up in the oven and soak in all the flavors later! Drain well and set aside while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft, fragrant, and just starting to turn golden—about five minutes. This step gives Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti its signature savory base and ensures that every bite pops with flavor.

Step 3: Mix Together the Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Base

In a big mixing bowl, combine your cooked spaghetti, sautéed veggies, shredded chicken, both cans of soup, chicken broth, sour cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and 1 cup of that glorious cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy. This is where the magic happens—the moment it all comes together.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the spaghetti mixture. Gently smooth it out, not pressing too hard, so it stays fluffy. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese across the top for that extra-melty, golden finish. Slide the dish into your preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until bubbly and lightly crisped on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your whole family hungry!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

After baking, let your casserole rest for a few minutes before diving in. Shower with freshly chopped parsley just before serving—this brightens up the dish and makes it look irresistible. Now, get ready for plenty of happy faces around the table!

How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

Nothing beats a sprinkle of fresh parsley over a bubbling hot casserole. If you want extra flair, you can add sliced green onions, a little more paprika dusted on top, or even a handful of crispy fried onions for crunch. Garnishing isn’t just for looks—it adds that fresh element that wakes up all the cozy creaminess below.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti. Warm, crusty bread or garlic toast will help you scoop up every last drop of cheesy sauce. For something light and classic, serve with steamed broccoli or roasted carrots—the balance works wonders for your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. For potlucks or buffets, slice squares and set them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You could even serve Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti over a bed of sautéed spinach for something a little different and extra nutritious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is almost better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll keep for up to four days. Make sure the casserole is fully cooled before sealing it up to prevent any sogginess.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Just let it cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and stash away for up to three months. For the best results, freeze before baking—then simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as needed. If freezing cooked leftovers, reheat straight from frozen, covered with foil to lock in moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your casserole and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, individual portions can be microwaved in a pinch. Add a splash of chicken broth if the spaghetti looks a bit dry, and always finish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh parsley to revive that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I make Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then proceed as usual. This means you can have a hearty, bubbling dinner on the table in no time.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving favorite, but any leftover cooked chicken works well—poached, roasted, or even grilled. Shred or dice it finely so it mingles perfectly with the creamy sauce in Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti.

Can I swap the soups?

Definitely! You can use two cans of cream of chicken soup if you’re not a mushroom fan, or try cream of celery for a lighter flavor. Changing the soup can subtly adjust the consistency and taste to fit your family’s preferences.

Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! Mushrooms, diced tomatoes (drained), olives, or even spinach can be folded in with great results. Just keep an eye on moisture levels, and remember that adding more veggies means even more color and nutrition packed into your Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, the original recipe is flavorful but mild. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some red chili flakes, diced jalapeño, or a touch of cayenne pepper while mixing everything together.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti has earned a place in so many kitchens: it’s cozy, creamy, and flat-out irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or simply making enough for amazing leftovers, this casserole promises comfort with every forkful. Give it a try and let it become a treasured part of your own dinner rotation!

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