There's something absolutely magical about a bubbling hot dish of cheesy Chicken Spaghetti fresh from the oven that makes the whole house feel like home. This chicken spaghetti recipe has been my family's secret weapon for busy weeknights, potluck dinners, and those "what's for dinner" emergencies for over a decade.
When my mom first shared this southern pasta dish with me during my newlywed days, she warned me it would become an obsession. Honestly, after countless family dinners where everyone scraped their plates clean and begged for seconds, I can say she was absolutely right.
Why You'll Love This Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
This Chicken Spaghetti casserole solves every weeknight dinner challenge you've ever faced. While other meals demand complicated prep and expensive ingredients, this beauty comes together with simple pantry staples and delivers restaurant-quality comfort every single time.
My husband calls it "the dish that saves dinner," and after years of making this cheap and easy family dinner, I completely understand why. The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly, while the tender chicken and melted cheese create that soul-satisfying combination that makes everyone at the table happy. Even my picky teenagers devour this without a single complaint.
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What You'll Need
These simple ingredients transform into pure comfort food magic right in your kitchen. Most of these everyday items are probably already waiting in your pantry, which makes this easy pasta supper idea perfect for those last-minute meal emergencies.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Extras
Feel free to add jalapeños for heat, mushrooms for extra flavor, or bacon bits because everything's better with bacon.
This flavor packed recipe is super easy, full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. My grandmother always said the secret is to slightly undercook the pasta since it'll finish cooking in the oven.
Prepare the Chicken Base
In a large skillet, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, Rotel tomatoes, and seasonings, cooking until heated through.
Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth. This creates the rich, creamy base that makes this rotel chicken spaghetti so irresistible.
Combine Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture, then pour in the creamy sauce and half of the cheese. Toss everything together until every strand is coated in that luscious sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble everything except the top layer of cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the remaining cheese before baking and increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
Bake to Perfection
Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Aliana's Pro Tip
Here's my secret for the creamiest cheesy chicken spaghetti ever: reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
If your mixture seems too thick when combining, gradually add the starchy pasta water until you reach that perfect creamy consistency.
I learned this trick after making a batch that turned out more like chicken spaghetti cement than the silky smooth comfort food I was aiming for.
Trust me, this small step transforms good casserole into absolutely incredible southern comfort food that has everyone asking for your recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This chicken spaghetti casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day. Store covered and reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Transform this into crockpot chicken spaghetti by layering everything in your slow cooker and cooking on low for 3-4 hours. For a lighter version, use low-fat soups and reduce the cheese by half. Want it spicier? Add extra Rotel or throw in some diced jalapeños for that perfect southern kick.
What to Serve With Chicken Spaghetti
This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed broccoli. My family loves serving it with warm dinner rolls for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce, creating the ultimate easy dinner cheap meal that satisfies everyone.
FAQs About Chicken Spaghetti
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just remove the skin and shred the meat, and you'll save tons of prep time.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better in casseroles.
What if I don't have Rotel tomatoes?
You can substitute with regular diced tomatoes plus a small can of diced green chiles, or use salsa for extra flavor.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more best easy summer dinner recipes, these comfort food favorites never disappoint. My creamy chicken and rice casserole brings ultimate satisfaction to your dinner table. The cheesy broccoli pasta bake creates family-friendly meals everyone devours. This hearty tuna noodle casserole delivers nostalgic comfort in every bite.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
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Pairing
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