Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: An Easy Family Dinner
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this classic chicken spaghetti recipe. Featuring tender spaghetti, juicy shredded chicken, and vibrant Rotel tomatoes, all baked to perfection in a rich, velvety cream sauce loaded with savory seasonings and generous amounts of melty cheese. This incredibly easy and family-friendly casserole is destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation, offering a satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
This baked chicken spaghetti casserole is a true weeknight hero, combining succulent pieces of chicken with perfectly cooked spaghetti, all enveloped in a rich, savory cream sauce. The addition of Rotel tomatoes brings a delightful zing and subtle spice that elevates the entire dish. If your family enjoys hearty pasta dinners like classic spaghetti with meat sauce or a comforting creamy chicken pasta, then you absolutely must try this easy chicken spaghetti. It’s remarkably simple to assemble, requiring minimal prep time before baking, and delivers an incredible depth of flavor in every forkful. Perfect for busy evenings, gatherings, or even as a make-ahead meal, this chicken spaghetti casserole guarantees a delicious and satisfying experience.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
There are countless reasons why this creamy chicken spaghetti will quickly become a cherished recipe in your home. From its irresistible texture to its incredible versatility, this dish offers something for everyone:
- Unbelievably Rich and Creamy: The heart of this casserole is its homemade cream sauce, crafted with a perfect blend of butter, flour, broth, and heavy cream. Infused with aromatic garlic and zesty Italian seasoning, this sauce achieves a luxurious smoothness and depth of flavor that coats every strand of pasta and piece of chicken. The Rotel tomatoes provide a bright, tangy contrast, preventing the sauce from being overly heavy and adding another layer of deliciousness.
- Irresistibly Cheesy Goodness: What’s not to love about a dish generously topped with gooey, melted cheese? This recipe features an ample amount of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, bubbly crust and a wonderfully cheesy interior that kids and adults alike adore. You can easily adjust the quantity of cheese to suit your preference, making it as indulgent or as light as you desire. We recommend grating fresh cheese from a block for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Perfectly Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Life can get hectic, and this chicken spaghetti understands that. It’s an ideal candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to assemble the entire casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. This means less stress on busy weeknights – simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner. Furthermore, this recipe stores and freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Prepare a double batch, enjoy one now, and freeze the other for a quick, wholesome meal later in the week or month.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this mouthwatering baked chicken spaghetti requires a straightforward list of readily available ingredients. Here are some detailed notes and tips for selecting each component to ensure the best possible flavor and texture. For precise measurements and full recipe instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down the page.
- Spaghetti: While traditional dry spaghetti is the classic choice for this dish, you can also opt for whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist. Other long, thin pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or even bucatini can work wonderfully, offering a slightly different texture while still holding the rich sauce beautifully.
- Cooked Chicken: The convenience of cooked shredded chicken is a highlight of this recipe. This is an excellent way to utilize leftover chicken breast, rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store, or even pre-cooked chicken from your freezer. Ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing the aromatics and forming the roux, butter adds a rich, foundational flavor to the sauce. Unsalted butter is preferred, as it gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Onion and Garlic: Finely chopped yellow onion and freshly minced garlic are the aromatic backbone of our creamy sauce. They provide a savory depth that is truly indispensable. Adjust the amount of garlic to your personal taste – more garlic often means more flavor!
- All-Purpose Flour: This is crucial for creating the roux, which acts as a thickening agent for our rich cream sauce, ensuring it has a perfect, velvety consistency.
- Chicken Broth: We recommend using low-sodium chicken broth, chicken stock, or even vegetable stock. Opting for low-sodium allows you to season the dish to perfection without worrying about excessive saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: For that signature rich and creamy texture, heavy cream is key. If you prefer a slightly lighter sauce, feel free to substitute with milk (whole milk for best results) or half-and-half. Keep in mind that lighter alternatives may result in a thinner sauce.
- Seasoning: A blend of Italian seasoning, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper, provides a harmonious flavor profile that complements the chicken and tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasonings as you go to achieve your desired balance.
- Canned Tomatoes: Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies) are a classic choice for chicken spaghetti, lending a unique flavor and a touch of heat. If you can’t find Rotel, any brand of good quality diced tomatoes will work. For those who love an extra kick, consider using the “hot” variety of Rotel tomatoes.
- Shredded Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese is a must for this casserole. For the best melt and creamiest texture, we strongly recommend grating your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Other excellent melty cheese options include Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti: A Simple Guide
Creating this delicious chicken spaghetti casserole is incredibly straightforward, requiring only about 10-15 minutes of active preparation before it goes into the oven. Follow these easy steps to get this comforting dish onto your dinner table in no time.
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook it just until it’s al dente, but a minute or two shorter than the package directions suggest. Since the pasta will continue to cook and absorb flavors in the oven, slightly undercooking it now ensures it won’t become mushy later. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While your pasta cooks, melt butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This creates a roux, which will thicken our sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to whisk as the sauce simmers gently, and it will begin to thicken in about 1-2 minutes, forming a luscious, creamy base.
- Combine All Ingredients: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the canned Rotel tomatoes (undrained for maximum flavor), the cooked shredded chicken, and about half of your grated cheddar cheese. Mix everything until well combined and the cheese has started to melt into the warm sauce. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and gently toss until every strand is evenly coated with the rich, creamy chicken mixture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the entire chicken pasta mixture into a large (13×9-inch) casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top, ensuring a beautiful, golden crust. Bake the spaghetti in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy! Carefully remove your bubbling chicken spaghetti from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly. Then, dig in and savor this delicious, comforting meal. Check out the section below for wonderful ideas on what to serve alongside this amazing casserole.
Recipe Tips and Delicious Variations
Enhance your chicken spaghetti experience with these helpful tips and creative variations that allow you to customize the dish to your liking or use up ingredients you have on hand.
- Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: This is a crucial tip for any baked pasta dish. Since the spaghetti will continue to cook in the hot sauce in the oven, it’s vital to cook it al dente or even slightly undercooked during the initial boiling stage. Remove it from the heat and drain about one minute before the package’s recommended cooking time. This ensures your pasta remains tender with a slight bite, rather than becoming soft and mushy in the finished casserole.
- Boost with More Veggies: This casserole is incredibly versatile and welcomes a variety of vegetables. To add more nutrients and color, consider folding in sautéed diced zucchini, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness), or tender broccoli florets. Frozen veggie medleys containing sweet corn, green beans, and diced carrots are also fantastic and convenient options. For leafy greens, wilted kale or spinach can be stirred into the sauce just before combining with the pasta. Even a handful of frozen peas can add a touch of sweetness and freshness.
- Explore Creative Add-Ins: Beyond vegetables, many ingredients can transform this chicken spaghetti into an entirely new culinary adventure.
- Mushroom Lover’s Twist: For a variation reminiscent of Tuscan chicken pasta, sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce. You could also swap out the Rotel for fire-roasted diced San Marzano tomatoes for an even richer tomato flavor.
- Smoky & Spicy Additions: Introduce a smoky element with cooked crispy bacon bits, or a spicy kick with browned and crumbled spicy Italian sausage or chopped chorizo. These additions bring robust flavors and textures.
- Lemony Freshness: For a brighter, zesty flavor profile, try a lemon chicken variation. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest to the sauce. Capers, with their briny tang, would also complement this flavor wonderfully.
- Cream Cheese for Extra Creaminess: Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese (Neufchâtel for a lighter option) into the hot sauce along with the heavy cream for an even richer, tangier, and more velvety consistency.
What to Serve With Chicken Spaghetti
This creamy chicken spaghetti is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your family dinner. Consider these delicious accompaniments that perfectly complement its rich flavors and textures.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crunchy side is a wonderful contrast to the creamy pasta. A simple tossed salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a vibrant tomato mozzarella salad with fresh basil and balsamic glaze, adds a refreshing element and cuts through the richness of the casserole.
- Warm Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, crusty bread. Hot-from-the-oven garlic bread is an absolute classic pairing, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. If you have an air fryer, making garlic bread in the air fryer is incredibly quick and easy.
- Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables: To round out the meal and add more greens, serve this pasta dish with snappy sautéed asparagus or tender roasted green beans seasoned with garlic and a touch of sesame. These simple vegetable sides add freshness and a pleasant texture contrast.
Can I Make This Chicken Spaghetti Ahead?
Absolutely! This chicken spaghetti casserole is an ideal candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to get a head start on dinner. You can easily prepare the entire dish 1-2 days in advance. Follow all the instructions for cooking the pasta, making the sauce, and combining all ingredients. Once mixed, transfer the pasta mixture into your casserole dish. Instead of baking it immediately, let the spaghetti cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake the following day, simply unwrap the pasta and bake as directed in the recipe card. Keep in mind that a cold casserole from the fridge may require an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time to heat through completely and become bubbly.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper storage and reheating ensure that your delicious chicken spaghetti remains as enjoyable as when it was first made.
- Refrigeration: Any leftover chicken spaghetti should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Alternatively, reheat portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick, until warmed to your satisfaction.
- Freezing: This casserole also freezes beautifully for longer storage. Once baked and completely cooled, transfer the spaghetti to an airtight, freezer-safe container or wrap the entire casserole dish securely in a double layer of plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, defrost the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can then bake it in the oven (covered) until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
More Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Enchilada Pasta Casserole
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Chicken Spaghetti
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
45 minutes
55 minutes
5
servings
Pin Recipe
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Ingredients
-
8
oz
uncooked spaghetti -
2
cups
cooked shredded chicken -
4
Tablespoons
butter
-
½
onion
,
finely chopped -
3
cloves
garlic
,
minced -
¼
cup
all-purpose flour
-
1
cup
low-sodium chicken broth
-
¾
cup
heavy cream
-
1
Teaspoon
Italian seasoning
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
1
10oz can Rotel tomatoes -
2
cups
shredded cheddar cheese
,
divided
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
-
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook pasta 1 minute short of the package directions to ensure it’s al dente. Drain well.8 oz uncooked spaghetti
-
Meanwhile, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, stirring, until fragrant.4 Tablespoons butter,
½ onion,
3 cloves garlic -
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continually, until no white streaks remain and a light roux is formed. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking and whisking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken to a creamy consistency.¼ cup all-purpose flour,
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth,
¾ cup heavy cream,
1 Teaspoon Italian seasoning,
Salt & pepper to taste -
Pour in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, then add the cooked shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the prepared cream sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the cheese begins to melt. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti and gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.2 cups cooked shredded chicken,
1 10oz can Rotel tomatoes,
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese -
Transfer the entire chicken spaghetti mixture into a 13×9-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top for a beautiful golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
-
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving immediately to allow the sauce to set. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken spaghetti!
Nutrition
Calories:
591
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
25
g
|
Protein:
30
g
|
Fat:
42
g
|
Saturated Fat:
24
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
14
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
150
mg
|
Sodium:
501
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
45 minutes
55 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
5
servings
591
chicken spaghetti, chicken spaghetti casserole, chicken spaghetti recipe
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