Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole dish filled with creamy, cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. A staple of Southern kitchens and weeknight dinner tables across America, this dish combines the heartiness of tender chicken, the satisfying texture of spaghetti, and the indulgence of a rich, savory sauce in one irresistible bite. While countless variations exist, from ultra-traditional to modern spins, chicken spaghetti remains rooted in the kind of home-cooked comfort that transcends trends and generations.

Part pasta bake, part creamy casserole, and part memory lane, chicken spaghetti holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up eating it at potlucks, family reunions, or Sunday dinners. For many, it’s a signature dish passed down from a grandmother’s worn recipe card or scribbled into the margin of a well-loved church cookbook. And yet, for all its traditional roots, chicken spaghetti is far from outdated. It’s a dish that invites creativity — a culinary blank canvas that welcomes a variety of ingredients, flavors, and personal twists while still staying true to its familiar soul.

At its core, chicken spaghetti is deceptively simple: cooked spaghetti noodles tossed with shredded or diced chicken, then smothered in a creamy, often cheesy sauce and baked until golden and bubbling. But its power lies in its flexibility. It can be made from scratch or thrown together with pantry staples. It can feed a hungry family on a budget or serve as a centerpiece at a casual gathering. It can be mild and kid-friendly, or spiced up with peppers and bold cheeses for a more adventurous palate. From scratch or semi-homemade, this dish is as adaptable as it is satisfying.

One of the great appeals of chicken spaghetti is that it provides a full, balanced meal in one dish — protein, carbs, and sometimes vegetables, all baked into one cohesive and flavorful bite. It’s also a lifesaver for busy households: you can prep it ahead, freeze it for later, or make use of leftover chicken and whatever vegetables you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for one, a family of five, or a crowd of twenty, it scales beautifully and stores even better.

This guide isn’t just a recipe — it’s a deep dive into the timeless appeal of chicken spaghetti. We’ll explore its history and evolution, examine the essential ingredients and possible substitutions, and walk through the step-by-step cooking process in great detail. You’ll learn how to customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs — from creamy and classic to veggie-packed or spicy — and we’ll share expert tips for perfecting the texture, avoiding common pitfalls, and even turning leftovers into something new.

So whether you’re returning to an old favorite or discovering this dish for the first time, prepare to fall in love with a recipe that’s warm, filling, and endlessly versatile. The Chicken Spaghetti we’re about to create is more than just a comfort food classic — it’s a celebration of easy, everyday cooking at its very best.

Chicken Spaghetti: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients so you can work efficiently and avoid interruptions. Here’s a classic version of chicken spaghetti with optional ingredients and variations included.

Core Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (use rotisserie or poached chicken breasts/thighs)

• 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 (like Rotel)

• 1 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn (for veggies and color)

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes (for heat)

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (for topping)

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water:

   • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

   • Add a generous pinch of salt (this seasons the pasta from within).

2. Cook Spaghetti:

   • Add spaghetti and cook 1–2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente texture.

   • You want the noodles slightly underdone since they’ll cook further in the oven.

3. Reserve Pasta Water or Drain:

   • Optional but helpful: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

   • Drain the pasta well and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

1. Heat Oil:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter over medium heat.

2. Cook Onion and Bell Pepper:

   • Add diced onions and green bell pepper.

   • Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.

3. Add Garlic:

   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).

4. Optional Veggies:

   • If using frozen peas, corn, or mushrooms, you can add them at this point and sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce Ingredients

1. Add Chicken:

   • Add shredded or chopped cooked chicken to the sautéed veggies and stir to combine.

2. Add Soups and Tomatoes:

   • Stir in both cans of condensed soup (cream of mushroom and cream of chicken).

   • Add diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain).

3. Add Broth and Seasonings:

   • Stir in chicken broth (or reserved pasta water).

   • Add seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and cayenne/red pepper flakes if using.

4. Add Dairy (Optional for Extra Creaminess):

   • Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for an ultra-creamy finish.

   • Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese

1. Fold in Pasta:

   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture and toss gently until the noodles are fully coated.

2. Add Cheese:

   • Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, saving the rest for topping.

3. Check Consistency:

   • If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare Baking Dish:

   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

3. Transfer Mixture:

   • Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.

4. Top with Remaining Cheese:

   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.

   • Optional: Add grated parmesan cheese or crushed crackers for a crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake Until Bubbly:

   • Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and the edges are bubbling.

2. Optional Broil:

   • For a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole on high for 2–3 minutes at the end — but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

1. Cool Briefly:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

2. Garnish:

   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

3. Serve:

   • Serve hot with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Optional Variations to Try:

Want to change it up next time? Try these ideas:

• Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn; top with pepper jack cheese.

• Healthier Version: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat soup, reduced-fat cheese, and lots of vegetables.

• Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Use a cheese blend — cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and parmesan.

• One-Pot Version: If your skillet is oven-safe and large enough, you can bake the whole dish right in the skillet.