Warm, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, chicken spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead, or feeding a crowd, this Southern-inspired favorite checks every box. It’s affordable, family-friendly, freezer-happy, and—you guessed it—unapologetically delicious.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to master the perfect cheesy chicken spaghetti bake, from ingredients and cooking tips to clever variations and serving ideas. Let’s dig in, starting with the heart of it all: why this dish has become a beloved staple.
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy and comforting baked casserole made with tender chicken, spaghetti, cheese, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
- In a large bowl, mix soups, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or chicken soup with homemade white sauce if preferred.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or more chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Everything You Need for This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
The beauty of chicken spaghetti casserole lies in its simplicity. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can pull together a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s as easy as it is satisfying. Whether you’re going for the traditional Southern style or putting your own twist on it, these are the building blocks that make the magic happen.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Cooked chicken
Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect here. It’s quick, tender, and full of flavor. Grilled or baked chicken breast also works beautifully if you have leftovers. - Spaghetti noodles
Use regular spaghetti, cooked al dente. You want it slightly firm so it holds up during baking. Avoid overcooking—it’ll soften more in the oven. - Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
This canned classic brings that creamy richness to the dish. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own roux-based sauce. - Diced tomatoes or Rotel
Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) adds tang, color, and a little kick. It balances the richness of the cream sauce. - Shredded cheese
Sharp cheddar is the go-to, but a mix of mozzarella, Colby jack, or even pepper jack adds layers of cheesy flavor. Don’t skimp on this—it’s cheesy chicken spaghetti for a reason! - Onion and garlic
Finely chopped and sautéed, these aromatics infuse the base with flavor. Optional, but recommended. - Seasonings
Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of Italian seasoning are all fair game. Add crushed red pepper for a spicy twist.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Step-by-Step Guide
Simple Steps to a Cheesy, Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Casserole
Making chicken spaghetti casserole is surprisingly easy. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the rest is pretty much mix, layer, and bake. Here’s how to pull it all together without breaking a sweat.
1. Cook the spaghetti
Start by boiling your pasta just until al dente. Drain it and set aside—you don’t want soggy noodles after baking.
2. Sauté the aromatics
In a skillet, melt some butter and sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. This adds an extra flavor punch that’s worth the step.
3. Make the creamy base
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed aromatics, shredded chicken, Rotel (or diced tomatoes), cream of mushroom soup, a splash of chicken broth, and your favorite shredded cheese. Season to taste.
4. Mix in the spaghetti
Gently stir the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture until everything is well coated.
5. Transfer to a casserole dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top it off with more cheese—because there’s no such thing as too much.
6. Bake to bubbly perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and everything’s bubbling around the edges.
That’s it—cheesy chicken spaghetti bake, ready to serve and steal the spotlight at any table.
Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Tools That Make This Cheesy Classic Even Easier
One of the best things about chicken spaghetti casserole—besides its rich, creamy deliciousness—is how little equipment you need to make it. No fancy gadgets, no complicated steps—just a few dependable kitchen tools that help bring it all together.
Here’s everything you’ll want on hand:
Large Pot for Boiling Spaghetti
You’ll need a big pot to cook your noodles evenly. Salt the water well—it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself. Don’t overcook; it’ll soften more while baking.
Skillet or Sauté Pan
This is for softening onions, garlic, or any veggies you’re adding. You can also sauté chicken if you’re not using pre-cooked or rotisserie.
Mixing Bowl
Use a large bowl to combine all the ingredients—chicken, soup, cheese, tomatoes, seasonings, and spaghetti. Trust us, the bigger, the better—things get messy fast.
9×13 Casserole Dish
This dish size is perfect for even baking. You want enough space for the casserole to spread without spilling over. Glass or ceramic both work well.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Perfect for gently folding ingredients together without breaking the noodles. Bonus: silicone spatulas make scraping every bit of cheesy goodness out of the bowl super easy.
Aluminum Foil (Optional)
If your casserole is browning too fast on top, cover it with foil halfway through to keep things melty and moist underneath.
These simple tools make cooking chicken and pasta casserole a breeze—from prep to cleanup.
Tasty Variations of Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Make It Your Own — Flavorful Twists on the Classic
One of the best things about chicken spaghetti casserole is how forgiving and flexible it is. Once you’ve got the base recipe down, it’s easy to switch things up to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what you’ve got hanging out in the fridge.
Let’s dive into some irresistible variations that give this creamy classic a fresh twist.
Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken Spaghetti
Give your casserole a bold kick with:
- Rotel with extra green chilies
- Taco seasoning or cumin
- Corn, black beans, or jalapeños
- Pepper jack or Mexican blend cheese
Top it with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a delightful crunch!
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Spaghetti
For a more earthy, savory spin:
- Swap one can of soup for cream of mushroom
- Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach
- Stir in a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess
- Use Swiss or provolone for a milder cheese pull
Bacon & Ranch Chicken Pasta Bake
Because bacon makes everything better:
- Mix in crispy bacon bits
- Add a dash of ranch seasoning
- Try cheddar + mozzarella combo for gooey perfection
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving
Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Casserole
Watching your carbs? No problem:
- Swap spaghetti for spiralized zucchini or gluten-free noodles
- Use a homemade roux or almond milk–based sauce
- Keep cheese and protein high for flavor and satisfaction
Kid-Friendly Chicken Noodle Casserole
Make it picky-eater approved with:
- No spice, extra cheese
- Mild cheddar and diced cooked carrots or peas
- Elbow macaroni or thin spaghetti (cut smaller for easy bites)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. It’s already seasoned and super tender, which makes it perfect for tossing straight into your chicken and pasta casserole. Just shred or chop it and you’re good to go.
Can I make chicken spaghetti casserole ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s one of the best parts of this dish! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for busy nights or make-ahead meal prep.
Can I freeze chicken spaghetti casserole?
Totally! Just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
What if I don’t like canned cream soups?
No worries! You can easily make a homemade sauce. Just whisk together butter, flour, milk (or broth), and seasonings until thickened. This homemade option gives you more control over ingredients and flavor.
Can I use other pasta besides spaghetti?
Definitely. While traditional chicken spaghetti casserole calls for long noodles, you can use penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni if that’s what you’ve got. Just avoid overcooking, as it’ll soften more in the oven.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!