If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy comfort food loaded with vibrant veggies and tender chicken, you’re about to fall in love with this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe! It’s a baked classic that brings everyone to the table, blending savory chicken with perfectly cooked spaghetti, a creamy, flavorful sauce, and a golden layer of melted cheddar. Not only does it check every box for an easy weeknight dinner, but it also doubles as the perfect dish to share at potlucks or family get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is in its simple, everyday ingredients—each one playing a star role in creating that perfect bite. From the pasta’s al dente chew to the creamy sauce, nothing is complicated, but together they build unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, spaghetti soaks up all the saucy goodness and offers a familiar, satisfying bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps brown the chicken, deepening the dish’s flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein centerpiece—cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures every forkful has a bit of chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer so the whole dish pops with flavor.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, mellow base that pairs perfectly with the rest of the savory ingredients.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a gentle crunch and a pop of color—it’s the ultimate way to brighten up the casserole.
- Garlic: Just a hint brings aromatic depth to every bite.
- Cream of chicken soup: The backbone of the creamy sauce, making the whole casserole luscious and decadent.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: These infuse extra flavor and a subtle kick, plus a little tanginess that balances the creaminess nicely.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and ensures the sauce is just the right consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided for inside the casserole and on top, it melts into a beautiful gooey layer you just can’t resist.
- Paprika: Sprinkled on top for its gentle warmth and appetizing color.
- Chopped parsley: The finishing touch for a hint of freshness and beautiful green contrast.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Chicken Spaghetti Recipe won’t stick and will come out perfectly every time—and there’s nothing like knowing your creamy casserole will be easy to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package directions until it’s al dente—cooked but still with a little bite. Drain your pasta and set it aside; this gives you time to whip up the sauce while those noodles cool just enough.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it close; it’ll be back in the pan before you know it.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, just enough to let the aroma bloom, but not so long the garlic browns.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine. Let the sauce come up to a gentle simmer so all the flavors mingle and the sauce loosens up perfectly.
Step 6: Combine with Chicken and Cheese
Add the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is gorgeously creamy. This step is where the magic happens and the Chicken Spaghetti Recipe really comes to life!
Step 7: Mix with Spaghetti
Now, fold in your cooked spaghetti, making sure every strand gets coated in that rich, cheesy sauce. This ensures each bite is bursting with flavor, with just the right balance of pasta to chicken and veggies.
Step 8: Assemble and Top
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly across the top, followed by a dusting of paprika. This creates a beautifully bubbly cheese crust with a touch of color.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is hot and bubbling. Once it’s ready, finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley to brighten things up.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing completes the Chicken Spaghetti Recipe like a fresh pop of color—so don’t skip the chopped parsley! If you want to add a touch more flair, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dusting of extra paprika make irresistible finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with simple sides makes it a true feast. A crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and lightens up your plate. For extra comfort, serve it with garlic bread or warm rolls—the perfect way to soak up every drop of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little unexpected, serve your Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for colorful single-serving casseroles. You can even top with extra shredded cheese and broil for a couple of minutes before serving for a golden, restaurant-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover portions of this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe are a dream to stash away—simply let it cool, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making next-day lunches or busy-night dinners an absolute breeze.
Freezing
This recipe is a true meal-prep champion. To freeze, assemble the casserole (but don’t bake), let it cool, and wrap it well with plastic and foil. Tuck it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover your leftover Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until it’s hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For a quick meal, you can also microwave single servings, though the oven method keeps it moist and deliciously cheesy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. Just shred and stir it in where the cooked chicken is added in the recipe—no changes needed.
What type Main Course
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican blend for a different flavor twist. Use what you love—the recipe is forgiving and deliciously cheesy either way!
Can I add extra veggies?
Definitely! This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is super flexible. Toss in mushrooms, peas, or even chopped spinach for extra color, texture, and nutrition.
Is this dish spicy?
The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a gentle warmth, but it’s not overly spicy. For more heat, choose a spicier variety or add jalapeños; for milder tastes, look for “mild” on the can or use plain diced tomatoes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Sure can! Swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and use a gluten-free condensed soup, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy gluten-free Chicken Spaghetti Recipe everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something extra cozy about gathering around the table for a bubbling-hot casserole, and this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe delivers that home-cooked magic every time. It’s simple, satisfying, and pretty much guaranteed to make someone ask for seconds. I hope you’ll give it a try—and that it earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a comforting and cheesy baked pasta casserole that is perfect for a delicious family dinner. Tender chicken, bell peppers, and onions are combined with a creamy sauce, then baked with spaghetti and cheddar cheese until golden and bubbly. Easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Brown chicken pieces in olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables and make sauce: Sauté onion and bell pepper, then add garlic. Stir in cream of chicken soup, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer.
- Combine ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet, add 1 cup of cheese. Mix in cooked spaghetti.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with remaining cheese and paprika. Bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- This dish freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
