Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re searching for a true crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and comforting, look no further than Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. This dish marries tender strands of spaghetti with juicy chicken, creamy sauce, vibrant tomatoes with green chilies, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese—filling your kitchen with the best kind of savory aromas and promising a delicious dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti has a special part to play, coming together to create a meal that’s as easy to make as it is hard to resist. Here’s what you’ll need, along with quick tips for making every element shine.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The trusty foundation—cooked al dente, it perfectly soaks up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken works wonders here, but any leftover roasted or poached chicken keeps things delightfully simple.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This creamy canned soup is the cheat code for a luscious sauce that ties the casserole together.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, drained): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick and bursts of color—swap for hot versions if you like it spicy!
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Delivers a tangy creaminess that lifts all the flavors and ensures a rich texture.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps to loosen the sauce and boost that deep, savory flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): The star of the show—a layer inside and a gloriously gooey top!
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Brings a mild sweetness and extra depth to the casserole’s base.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): It’s a small touch that delivers a comforting background flavor, complementing both chicken and cheese.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness and a lovely hint of color.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Bring out every delicious nuance in the casserole; be generous but taste as you go!
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): For a fresh, vibrant finish right before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Before you get started, set your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish (a little cooking spray is all you need), which keeps cheese from sticking and makes for easier cleanup later!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente—usually around 8-9 minutes. You want noodles that can soak up sauce without getting soggy. Drain well and set aside while you make the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Sauce
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup, drained tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar, chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir this all together until it’s beautifully mixed—creamy, colorful, and super inviting.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Pasta
Stir in your shredded cooked chicken and the drained spaghetti, making sure every strand and every bite of chicken gets coated in that dreamy sauce. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, the little bits of skin and herbs mix in perfectly for even more flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese all over the top for that classic golden finish.
Step 6: Bake
Slide the dish onto the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. It’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges have that irresistible, slightly crispy look. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so you get those perfect slices.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright burst of color and a hint of freshness. You could even add sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor, or a tiny dusting of smoked paprika for added visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This comfort classic pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or simple roasted vegetables. Try serving Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti alongside steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for some green on the plate that balances out all that creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get extra fancy, try baking the spaghetti in individual ramekins for personalized servings—or swirl single portions into little “nests” on each plate. For potluck parties, tuck the finished casserole into a big serving dish and let everyone dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti keeps its fabulous flavor even after a night in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; the sauce actually tastes richer the next day!
Freezing
This recipe is a star when it comes to make-ahead meals. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, wrap tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual so it heats evenly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and melty—usually 20-25 minutes. For a quick lunch, individual servings can be microwaved for a couple of minutes; just add a splash of chicken broth if the spaghetti seems dry.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Simply assemble everything up to the baking step, cover the dish, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! While spaghetti is classic, you can easily swap for linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it stands up to the creamy sauce.
How can I make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti spicier?
For extra heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or stir in some cayenne pepper before baking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the table is great for those who like to turn up the burn.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, and it’s a time-saving lifesaver! Shredded rotisserie chicken adds depth and some smoky notes, making your Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti even tastier with half the work.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven does the best job, keeping the cheese gooey and the casserole moist. Individual portions do well in the microwave, especially with a little added broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving a crowd or just your own hungry family, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is your ticket to an easy, cheesy, soul-warming meal that never fails to please. Try it once, and you may just find it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation!
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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, a comforting and flavorful baked dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti until evenly coated.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add cayenne pepper.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- You can also freeze it before baking for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
