This Chicken Spaghetti is the kind of comfort food I find myself coming back to again and again. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender chicken and pasta, all baked together in one dish. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at potlucks, family dinners, or casual weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this recipe is to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s perfect when I need a warm and satisfying meal that feeds a group. The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta, and the gooey cheese all come together to make this a dish that everyone—from picky eaters to hearty appetites—can enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie bird.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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Spaghetti noodles
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Cream of mushroom soup
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Cream of chicken soup
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Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
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Onion, finely chopped
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Bell pepper, chopped (optional)
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Directions
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I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Then I cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions, drain, and set them aside.
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In a large skillet, I sauté the chopped onions (and bell peppers if using) until they’re soft.
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In a large bowl, I mix the soups, diced tomatoes with chilies, cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, and half of the cheese.
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I add the cooked spaghetti and stir everything together until well combined.
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I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top it with the remaining cheese.
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Finally, I bake it for about 30–35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 8 people. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake, so I usually have it on the table in just under an hour.
Variations
When I want to mix it up, I like to substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy twist. Sometimes I swap spaghetti with other pasta like penne or rotini if that’s what I have. I’ve also made this with turkey or even canned tuna for a different take.
storage/reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For reheating, I either microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. I sometimes add a splash of milk to keep it creamy during reheating.
FAQs
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
I assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready, I bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
Yes, I freeze it before baking. I wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
What type of chicken works best?
I usually use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken—boiled, baked, or grilled—works well in this recipe.
Can I make this without canned soups?
Yes, I’ve made it with a homemade white sauce as a substitute. I just mix butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth to create a creamy base instead of using the canned versions.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with chilies, but I wouldn’t call it spicy. If I want more heat, I add chopped jalapeños or use a spicier cheese.
Conclusion
This Chicken Spaghetti is one of those dependable, feel-good meals I know I can count on. Whether I’m feeding a large family or prepping for a potluck, it always gets rave reviews. It’s creamy, comforting, and endlessly customizable—just the way I like it.
Print
Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting chicken spaghetti dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s made with simple ingredients like rotisserie chicken, pasta, and a flavorful creamy sauce, all baked together for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Spaghetti noodles
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- Onion, finely chopped
- Bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions, drain, and set them aside.
- Sauté the chopped onions (and bell peppers if using) in a large skillet until they’re soft.
- In a large bowl, mix the soups, diced tomatoes with chilies, cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, and half of the cheese.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top it with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for about 30–35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack or add jalapeños.
- Feel free to swap spaghetti with other pasta like penne or rotini.
- This recipe works with turkey or even canned tuna as a substitute for chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg