If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s packed with flavor, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the answer. This hearty recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, making it a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is simple to make and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti recipe is:
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love its creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or spice it up with jalapeños for extra kick.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients that are easy to find and affordable.
Ingredients
To make this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, you’ll need:
- 8 oz spaghetti (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, diced onion, and bell pepper to the sauce. Stir in the cooked spaghetti and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and enjoy warm.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Add Veggies: Customize this dish with vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you love some heat.
- Use Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor.
- Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well! Simply wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Serving Tips for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or even a little extra shredded cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the cheesy pasta.
- Make It a Feast: Pair with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for a complete, comforting meal.
- Add Some Heat: Offer red pepper flakes or hot sauce on the side so everyone can spice up their portion if desired.
Storage Tips for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave until warm.
- Freezing: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months. For best results, place in a freezer-safe container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
- To Reheat from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. You may need to add a little extra cheese on top for freshness.
/FAQs for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
1. Can I make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Cover it and store it in the fridge, then bake as directed when you’re ready to serve. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
2. Can I substitute the canned soups?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade cream sauce by combining butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. This will create a creamy base without needing canned soup.
3. What types of cheese work best in this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is classic for this dish, but you can mix it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a different flavor and texture. A combination of cheeses can also add a rich, creamy depth.
4. How do I prevent the spaghetti from becoming too dry?
If you find your Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a little dry, try adding an extra ½ cup of chicken broth or milk to the sauce before baking. This will help keep it creamy and moist as it bakes.
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting casserole loaded with tender chicken, pasta, and a cheesy sauce. This delicious, family-friendly dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving comfort food. It’s simple to make and can be on the table in under an hour!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 2 cups (250g) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Make the Cheesy Sauce:
- Add the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Chicken and Spaghetti:
- Add the cooked, shredded chicken and the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the cheesy chicken spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Add-ins: Stir in cooked bacon bits, chopped mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.