Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful chicken spaghetti that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in a single skillet, making weeknight meals feel special.

Packed with hearty ingredients, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

Simple yet sophisticated, it combines classic pasta techniques with unexpected twists that surprise and delight.

Everyone from busy parents to culinary enthusiasts will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Cheesy, tender, and utterly irresistible, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

You won’t be able to resist serving seconds – trust me on this one!

Why Chicken Spaghetti Is A Family Favorite Classic

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Combine proteins, pasta, and veggies in one delicious casserole that saves you precious kitchen time and reduces dirty dishes.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and classic vegetable medley, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table for both kids and adults.
  • Flexible Family Favorite: Easily adaptable recipe allows for ingredient swaps or additions, making it perfect for using up leftover ingredients or catering to different taste preferences.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cooking steps and straightforward preparation mean you'll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal with your loved ones.

What Goes In Chicken Spaghetti To Keep It Creamy

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy protein that forms the main component of this comforting casserole.
For the Carbohydrates:
  • Spaghetti: Classic pasta that provides a hearty base for the chicken casserole.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers, Celery, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth, aroma, and nutritional value to the dish.
For the Dairy and Cheese:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheese that creates a golden, gooey topping and enhances the overall taste.
For the Soups and Seasonings:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
For the Garnish and Preparation:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and bright flavor.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Poaching liquid that keeps the chicken moist and adds extra flavor.

Simple Steps To Make Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a large baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until it reaches al dente texture, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter and gently cook:
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Celery
  • Garlic

Cook until vegetables become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 4: Prepare Tender Chicken

Poach chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth until fully cooked, then shred into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Mix All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cooked spaghetti
  • Sautéed vegetables
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8: Create Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole, creating a golden, melty layer.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly.

Step 10: Rest And Set

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly.

Step 11: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve hot, straight from the oven.

Tips To Make Chicken Spaghetti Even More Flavorful

  • Boost Cheese Flavor: Use a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Prevent Dry Casserole: Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to maintain moisture and enhance overall richness.
  • Vegetable Flexibility: Swap bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms for different nutritional value and taste variations.
  • Make Ahead Strategy: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of cream soups to accommodate dietary needs.

Tasty Twists On Chicken Spaghetti To Try

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of regular flour-based cream soups to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired chicken spaghetti casserole.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy, cheesy flavor profile.

Perfect Sides For Chicken Spaghetti Dinner

  • Pair Zesty Green Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken spaghetti.
  • Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy casserole's heaviness and enhance its delicate flavors.
  • Serve Buttery Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the soft spaghetti casserole.
  • Drizzle with Cool Ranch Dressing: Add a light ranch dressing on top or alongside the dish to introduce a cool, herbal note that brightens the entire meal's profile.

Best Way To Store Chicken Spaghetti For Later

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • Pack cooled chicken spaghetti in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Frozen casserole maintains best quality when consumed within this timeframe.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore the crispy cheese topping and ensure even heating throughout.

Questions And Answers About Chicken Spaghetti

  • What makes this chicken spaghetti different from other pasta dishes?

This version combines classic comfort food elements like creamy soups, cheese, and tender chicken with spaghetti, creating a hearty one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese works perfectly, you can substitute with monterey jack, colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for varied flavor profiles.

  • Is this dish considered budget-friendly?

Yes, chicken spaghetti is an economical meal that uses simple, affordable ingredients like pasta, chicken, vegetables, and canned soups, making it perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.

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Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Simmering comfort awaits with this hearty chicken spaghetti casserole, blending creamy textures and zesty southwestern flavors. Cheese-laden and satisfying, you’ll savor each comforting bite of this classic family-pleasing dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

Pasta and Base:

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup onions, chopped
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter

Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
  4. Poach chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth until fully cooked, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Gently fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  7. Transfer the chicken spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole, creating a golden cheese layer.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor depth.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and cream soups for a celiac-friendly version of this comforting casserole.
  • Enhance protein content by adding diced cooked bacon or chorizo during vegetable sautéing stage.
  • Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium cream soups and controlling additional salt seasoning.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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