Creamy Baked Chicken Spaghetti – A Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing meals, nothing beats a warm, cheesy Chicken Spaghetti casserole. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with tender shredded chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and perfectly seasoned spaghetti. The best part? This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

If you love classic comfort food, this baked chicken spaghetti will quickly become a go-to favorite. It’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable—add extra veggies, swap cheeses, or spice it up to fit your tastes!

Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious Chicken Spaghetti.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easy & Quick – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time!
✔️ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – A dreamy blend of cream soups and melty cheddar cheese.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat easily.
✔️ Perfect for Family Dinners – A comforting, hearty meal that feeds a crowd.
✔️ Customizable – Swap out ingredients or add your favorite mix-ins!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti – The perfect base for this creamy dish.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience!
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Adds rich flavor and creaminess.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Enhances the savory taste.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melty, cheesy goodness!
• ½ cup diced bell peppers – Adds a slight crunch and sweetness.
• ½ cup diced onions – Brings depth and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds extra savory goodness.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Gives a subtle smoky kick.
• Salt and pepper to taste – To balance all the flavors.

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Because extra cheese is always a good idea!
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional) – For a fresh, colorful garnish.

💡 Want to add more veggies? Try adding mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or spinach!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you start assembling everything, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly, melting the cheese into a gooey, golden topping.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente—you want it slightly firm so it holds up when baked.
• Drain the pasta and set it aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Toss the spaghetti with a tiny bit of olive oil or butter to prevent it from sticking while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Mix the Chicken & Sauce

Now, it’s time to build the creamy, cheesy sauce that makes this dish irresistible!

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  ✔️ Shredded chicken
  ✔️ Cream of chicken soup
  ✔️ Cream of mushroom soup
  ✔️ Chicken broth
  ✔️ 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  ✔️ Diced bell peppers & onions
  ✔️ Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
  ✔️ Salt and black pepper

• Stir everything until well combined. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and evenly blended.

💡 Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save even more prep time!

Step 4: Combine with Spaghetti

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl of creamy chicken mixture.
• Toss everything until the pasta is evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.

💡 Want an extra creamy dish? Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese for an even richer texture!

Now that we’ve got our spaghetti mixed with the creamy chicken sauce, it’s time to assemble, bake, and dig into this comforting dish! In this part, we’ll walk through the final steps to bring this cheesy Chicken Spaghetti to perfection.

Let’s get baking!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now that everything is mixed together, it’s time to transfer it into the baking dish.

1️⃣ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2️⃣ Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in the dish, making sure it’s packed in but not overly compressed.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a little extra flavor? Sprinkle some crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs over the top before baking for a crispy, buttery finish!

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping

What’s better than melted cheese? More melted cheese!

• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also sprinkle a dash of paprika or black pepper over the cheese for a little color and seasoning.

💡 Like it extra cheesy? Feel free to add a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for a little kick!

Step 7: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Now it’s time for the magic to happen!

• Place the casserole dish in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until:
  ✔️ The cheese is melted and bubbly.
  ✔️ The edges are slightly golden.
  ✔️ The casserole is heated all the way through.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want the cheese to get extra golden and slightly crispy, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 8: Let It Rest & Garnish

Once your Chicken Spaghetti is out of the oven, don’t dig in just yet!

• Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up so it’s easier to slice and serve.
• If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

💡 Optional Garnish Ideas:
✔️ Chopped green onions – Adds a mild, fresh bite.
✔️ Crumbled bacon – Because bacon makes everything better!
✔️ A drizzle of hot sauce – For those who like a little spice.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your cheesy baked Chicken Spaghetti warm, straight from the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Spaghetti:

✔️ Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
✔️ Side Salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances out the richness.
✔️ Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.

💡 Meal Prep Tip: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for leftovers or meal prep.

Now that our Chicken Spaghetti is baked to perfection—golden, bubbly, and absolutely delicious—it’s time to talk about storing leftovers, answering common questions, and giving you some fun ways to customize this dish.

Whether you’re meal prepping, serving a crowd, or looking for creative variations, this final part will ensure you get the most out of this classic comfort food!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready.

To make ahead:
✔️ Assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet.
✔️ Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
✔️ When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed.

💡 Pro Tip: If baking straight from the fridge, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers!

✔️ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is classic, you can substitute it with:
✔️ Penne or Rotini – Holds sauce well and adds a little texture.
✔️ Fettuccine – Creamy and rich, just like an Alfredo dish.
✔️ Gluten-Free Pasta – Works great for a GF-friendly option.

4. Can I make Chicken Spaghetti without canned soup?

Yes! If you prefer a from-scratch version, replace the canned soups with a homemade creamy sauce:

🔹 Melt 3 tbsp butter in a pan.
🔹 Whisk in 3 tbsp flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
🔹 Slowly add 1 cup milk and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring constantly.
🔹 Simmer until thickened, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

This will give you a creamy, made-from-scratch base without any canned ingredients!

5. What can I add to customize this recipe?

This recipe is super versatile, and you can easily switch things up to fit your taste!

✔️ Add More Veggies – Try mushrooms, diced tomatoes, spinach, or jalapeños.
✔️ Swap the Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.
✔️ Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
✔️ Use a Different Protein – Swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp!

💡 Want a Tex-Mex twist? Add Rotel tomatoes and top with crushed tortilla chips!

Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions

This Baked Chicken Spaghetti is a must-have in any comfort food lineup! It’s:
✔️ Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
✔️ Super easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
✔️ Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even freezer meals

Best Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken Spaghetti:

🍞 Garlic Bread – Because extra carbs never hurt!
🥗 Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
🥦 Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.

I hope you love this Chicken Spaghetti recipe as much as I do! If you try it, let me know how you customized it or if you have any favorite twists.

Happy cooking! 🍽️✨

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