If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Chicken Spaghetti. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, this baked pasta is the kind of meal that makes everyone rush to the table. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that’s easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for a cozy weekend gathering. Whether you’re feeding a family or just love having delicious leftovers in the fridge, Chicken Spaghetti promises a perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and homey nostalgia in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Spaghetti is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a truly memorable meal. Each one has a starring role, from building the creamy sauce to adding those pops of color and flavor that make this dish irresistible.

Spaghetti Pasta: Go for classic spaghetti for that perfect texture, or swap with gluten-free if needed.
Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful sear and prevents sticking.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Diced for quick, even cooking and juicy bites in every forkful.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce.
Garlic: Essential for that aromatic, savory foundation.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides creamy texture and earthy flavor—classic comfort food magic!
Cream of Chicken Soup: Layers on richness and intensifies the chicken flavor in the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Thins out the sauce just enough while infusing extra savory notes.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly to create luscious, gooey pockets throughout.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Adds creaminess and that beloved cheese pull we all crave.
Diced Tomatoes: Brightens every bite with juicy freshness—drain them well for the best texture.
Green Bell Pepper: For a crunchy, colorful touch and a little vegetal bite.
Salt: Balances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Gives just a hint of bite and warmth.
Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a pop of color to the casserole.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a gentle kick—add as much or little as you like.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—remember, it will cook a little more in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside. This step sets the stage for that perfect twirl-able texture in the finished dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Veggies

While the pasta cooks, set a large skillet over medium heat and add your olive oil. Toss in the diced chicken, seasoning with a little salt and pepper, and sauté until the pieces are cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then stir in the onion and garlic, cooking a few minutes more until fragrant and softened. This creates a flavorful base that will infuse the entire dish.

Step 3: Bring the Creamy Sauce Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, drained tomatoes, green bell pepper, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Whisk everything together until it’s thoroughly combined and irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Fold your cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables into the creamy sauce. Then, gently mix in the cooked spaghetti, making sure each noodle is coated with all that luscious goodness. This is where the magic truly starts, as the flavors meld together into one glorious mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Chicken Spaghetti

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the combined mixture, spreading it out evenly. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole should be bubbling, golden, and the cheese melted to perfection. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set for those perfect, satisfying slices.

How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Spaghetti with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note. If you’re in the mood, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or even sliced green onions can take it right over the top, adding extra texture and flavor with minimal effort.

Side Dishes

This indulgent casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, simple roasted veggies, or a classic garlic bread. Light, fresh sides help balance the rich and creamy nature of Chicken Spaghetti, and there’s nothing quite like sopping up the sauce with a warm dinner roll.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, serve straight from the baking dish with big, generous scoops. Hosting friends? Portion Chicken Spaghetti into ramekins or mini casseroles for a playful twist. You can even top each serving with a fried egg for brunch or tuck leftovers into a lunchbox for a surprise midday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Spaghetti holds up wonderfully for leftovers. Cool any extra portions to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just enough time to enjoy its comforting flavors all over again.

Freezing

If you’d like to make Chicken Spaghetti ahead, it’s freezer-friendly, too! Simply assemble the casserole up to the baking step, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or pop the whole baking dish (covered with foil) into a 350°F oven until everything is heated through and bubbly again. For even more fresh flavor, sprinkle on some extra parsley or a dash of cheese right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and makes assembling Chicken Spaghetti even quicker. Simply shred or chop the cooked meat and fold it into your sauce and pasta mixture before baking.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup?

If you have dietary preferences or need to use what’s on hand, cream of celery soup works well. You can also make a homemade roux with broth and milk as a substitute for canned soups.

Is Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free spaghetti and soups. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are entirely gluten-free, especially with the cream soups.

Can I add extra veggies or different cheeses?

Chicken Spaghetti is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even peas for more veggies. Experiment with cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor twists.

How do I make Chicken Spaghetti spicier?

For a kick, add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your sauce mixture. You can also increase the red pepper flakes or sprinkle a little cayenne for bold heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish, Chicken Spaghetti is ready to deliver. It’s the kind of meal that makes ordinary evenings feel special and leftovers taste just as good as the first helping. Give it a try, and it might just become your new comfort food classic—happy cooking!

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Chicken Spaghetti casserole. Tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a blend of savory cheeses make this dish a comforting classic. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

8 ounces spaghetti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Sauce:

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
½ cup green bell pepper, diced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven and cook spaghetti: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Sauté chicken, onion, and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
Prepare sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cheeses, tomatoes, green bell pepper, and seasonings. Add cooked chicken and spaghetti; mix well.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let rest before serving.