Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Packed with flavor and loaded with melty goodness, this casserole is a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make ahead for effortless meal prep.

I first made Chicken Spaghetti Casserole when I needed a cozy dinner that could feed a crowd. The combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked spaghetti baked together into a golden, bubbly dish was an instant success. My family couldn’t get enough of the creamy texture and cheesy flavor, making it a go-to recipe in our rotation.

What I love about this recipe is its adaptability. You can spice it up with diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. Add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a nutritious twist. Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to suit your taste. Serve it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Potluck events
Meal prepping
Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole will become a staple in your kitchen:

Creamy and Cheesy: A rich, creamy sauce paired with gooey melted cheese makes every bite irresistible.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and everyday ingredients make it perfect for busy days.
Kid-Friendly: A dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Customizable Add-ins: Add vegetables or spices to suit your preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Great for Freezing: An ideal dish to keep in the freezer for a quick meal.
Hearty and Filling: A complete meal with protein, carbs, and dairy in one dish.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that feed a crowd.
Potluck Favorite: A guaranteed hit for gatherings and events.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained, optional for less heat)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup diced onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped parsley
Grated Parmesan

Ingredient Highlights:

Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
Cheddar Cheese: For a rich, gooey topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Casserole:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté onions over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic powder and paprika.
Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, sautéed onions, cooked spaghetti, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the sauce. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake the Casserole:

Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley or Parmesan, and serve warm.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:

Classic Comfort Food: Serve as-is for a cozy family dinner.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping.
Potluck Dish: Bring to gatherings as a sure crowd-pleaser.
With Steamed Veggies: Serve alongside broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
On Game Day: A hearty dish perfect for watching sports with friends.
Lunchbox Favorite: Pack leftovers for an easy lunch.
As a Freezer Meal: Freeze individual portions for quick, reheatable dinners.
With a Twist: Add a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top for extra flavor.
For Family Gatherings: Serve at reunions or holiday events for a filling main dish.

Additional Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added flavor and convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook your spaghetti slightly under the recommended time, as it will continue to cook in the casserole and absorb moisture.
Add Vegetables: Include veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Variety: Mix different cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan) for a richer, gooey texture.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasonings—add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to boost flavor.
Use a Creamy Sauce: Combine cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup with a splash of heavy cream or sour cream for a creamier consistency.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs and a bit of melted butter on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
Make Ahead: Assemble your casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Garnish Freshly: Add a touch of freshness by garnishing with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Version: Use hot diced tomatoes with chilies for extra heat.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth.
Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn for a Tex-Mex vibe.
Creamier Casserole: Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese.
Low-Carb Alternative: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: Top with a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and soups.
One-Pot Shortcut: Mix everything in the skillet before transferring to the dish.
BBQ-Inspired: Add shredded BBQ chicken and replace tomatoes with BBQ sauce.
Italian Flavor: Incorporate marinara sauce and Italian seasoning for a different taste.

Special Equipment

Large Casserole Dish – For baking and serving the spaghetti casserole.
Large Mixing Bowl – To combine and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Cutting Board – Essential for chopping vegetables and cutting cooked chicken.
Chef’s Knife – For precise chopping and slicing of ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
Colander/Strainer – To drain cooked spaghetti.
Skillet/Frying Pan – For sautéing onions, garlic, and other components.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring ingredients evenly.
Can Opener – If using canned tomatoes or sauces.
Mixing Spoon or Pasta Tongs – Helps mix spaghetti and sauce without breaking the noodles.

FAQ Section

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe and can add extra flavor and save time.
What type of spaghetti should I use for this casserole?
You can use regular spaghetti, whole wheat spaghetti, or gluten-free spaghetti depending on your dietary preferences.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make the casserole creamier?
Add extra cream cheese, heavy cream, or a bit more shredded cheese to achieve a creamier texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
For a low-carb option, you can replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or use cauliflower rice instead.
Can I freeze the chicken spaghetti casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I make this casserole more flavorful?
Add herbs and spices like garlic powder, basil, oregano, and thyme, or include sautéed onions and bell peppers.
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup with another ingredient?
Yes, you can replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or a homemade béchamel sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The combination of pasta, chicken, and cheese is usually a hit with kids. You can adjust the seasoning to suit their taste preferences.
How long should I bake the chicken spaghetti casserole?
Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender spaghetti noodles, juicy chunks of chicken, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. This one-pan wonder is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, with a creamy, savory base complemented by a touch of tang from tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or even make-ahead meal prep!

Add your personal touch by including vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, and experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan. You can also season it with garlic, Italian herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

I’d love to see your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your cheesy, delicious masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or creative variations you made to make this casserole your own!