Name: Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel); 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

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If ever there was a dish made for bringing smiles around the dinner table, Chicken Spaghetti is it. Imagine a bubbling tray of creamy noodles tangled with juicy chicken, gooey cheddar, and bits of tangy tomatoes — it’s the definition of Southern comfort. The best part? This recipe is delightfully straightforward, easily adaptable, and guaranteed to become a regular in your kitchen. Whether you’re tackling busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd, Chicken Spaghetti makes the perfect, joy-sparking main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its down-to-earth, easily found ingredients. Each one brings its own character; whether it’s the richness of the cheeses or the slight heat from green chilies, they all come together to create a casserole worth craving week after week.

Spaghetti (12 ounces, broken in half): Shorter noodles make it easier to scoop and serve, ensuring every bite gets coated with sauce.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken speeds things up, but any cooked chicken works beautifully for this recipe.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can – 10.5 ounces): Adds savory richness and a silky texture to the casserole base.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can – 10.5 ounces): Doubles down on the creaminess with a touch of poultry flavor.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps loosen the sauce and deepens the chicken flavor.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel, 1 can – 10 ounces): Brings color, tang, and a little kick—mild or hot, your choice!
Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Sautéed to mellow perfection, onion adds sweet depth and fragrance.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Most goes inside for creaminess, with a layer on top for irresistible, golden meltiness.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint is enough to round out the flavor profile without overpowering.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Freshly cracked is best for an assertive but warm finish.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to gently soften the onions while infusing a subtle richness.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it comes up to temperature, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick mist or swipe of oil. This little step ensures your Chicken Spaghetti scoops out without sticking and makes for much easier cleanup later on.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. You’ll want the noodles al dente—still a touch firm—so they hold up through baking. Once drained, set aside while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it softens and turns slightly translucent. This brief stint in the pan tames any sharpness and develops a gentle sweetness that will blend seamlessly into your casserole.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In a very large mixing bowl, combine your hot, drained spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed onion, both soups, chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s evenly coated and tantalizingly creamy—this is where the flavors really start to mingle.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the well-mixed casserole into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over everything. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the whole kitchen smells irresistible. Let the Chicken Spaghetti cool for about five minutes before serving to help it set up just right.

How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a welcome pop of color and freshness. For those who crave a bit more heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper or even thinly sliced jalapeño rounds can give your Chicken Spaghetti a spicy twist. Don’t forget to grind a little more black pepper on top before bringing it to the table!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, balancing all that cheesy goodness. Buttered green beans, roasted broccoli, or stewed okra are classic Southern partners. And for extra comfort, serve with a basket of warm, crusty bread so you can enjoy every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Chicken Spaghetti at a party or potluck, try baking it in individual ramekins for easy, grab-and-go portions. Or, for family meals, spoon it into pasta bowls and top with extra cheese or hot sauce for a personalized finish. Leftover Chicken Spaghetti also makes mouthwatering filling for bell peppers—just stuff, bake, and enjoy a whole new spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Spaghetti keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated servings just as dreamy as the first time around.

Freezing

You’ll be happy to hear this casserole freezes like a champ! Assemble the Chicken Spaghetti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months before baking (or after, if you have leftovers). Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. For quick meals, individual portions heat up nicely in the microwave—just add a splash of broth or milk to keep things creamy, and stir halfway through. Either way, your Chicken Spaghetti will be just as comforting as ever.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti nailed that classic nostalgic feel, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it stays tender but not mushy in the oven.

Is Chicken Spaghetti spicy?

It usually has a mild kick from the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, but you’re in full control of the heat. Choose mild Rotel for little to no spice, or hot Rotel and even a pinch of cayenne if you like things fiery.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Pick your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, and make sure your soup brands are certified gluten-free (many cream soups now offer GF versions). The casserole turns out just as creamy and crowd-pleasing.

What kind of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saving favorite, but any cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast or thigh meat will deliver wonderful flavor. Leftover roasted or even poached chicken is perfect here—you want about two packed cups for a nicely balanced bake.

Can I prepare Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

You bet! Assemble everything right up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven, add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge, and dinner is done.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that wraps you up in cheesy comfort with every bite, this Chicken Spaghetti is your answer. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds! Give it a try soon—you’ll be bringing Southern-style happiness to your table in under an hour.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting Chicken Spaghetti, a creamy and flavorful pasta bake that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a hint of spice from diced tomatoes with green chilies and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half

Chicken Mixture:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Sauté Onion: Sauté chopped onion in olive oil until soft.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine spaghetti, chicken, sautéed onion, soups, chicken broth, tomatoes, spices, and 1 1/2 cups cheese.
Bake: Transfer mixture to dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.