Get ready for the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and totally irresistible! Chicken Spaghetti combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta in a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, and the blend of chicken and cheese creates that perfect, savory flavor we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for your family or whipping up something special for friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making memories around the table. From the moment you start cooking, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of comfort food that tastes as good as it smells. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep. You can make it in one pot for a quick dinner or bake it for that cheesy, bubbly finish.
- Budget-Friendly: With pantry staples and a few simple ingredients, you’re able to make a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
- Quick and Easy: It’s a fuss-free dish that can be made in under an hour. Even beginners will feel like pros in the kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Customizable: Make it your own by adding veggies, extra spices, or different cheeses. Don’t like something? Swap it out with something you do love!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Chicken Spaghetti is a total crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike. It’s one of those dishes that everyone will fight over, and leftovers? Even better!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish come to life:
Chicken Breasts
Tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this dish. They cook up juicy and are shredded to create the perfect filling for your spaghetti.
Spaghetti
The pasta that brings everything together. Spaghetti has the perfect texture to hold all the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying and comforting.
Cream of Chicken Soup
This pantry staple adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. It’s the secret to that comforting, velvety texture that coats the pasta.
Cheddar Cheese
Mild or sharp, cheddar cheese adds the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. As it melts, it creates a luscious, gooey sauce that’s impossible to resist.
Mozzarella Cheese
Melted mozzarella gives that stretchy, cheesy texture that makes you want to dig in. It’s like the ultimate comfort food finish.
Onion
A little sautéed onion adds savory depth and sweetness to the dish, making the flavor profile perfectly balanced.
Garlic
Garlic brings all the warmth and savory goodness to the sauce. It’s an absolute must for the perfect flavor base.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth infuses the sauce with a rich, savory taste. It helps create the right consistency for the creamy sauce while adding depth to the flavor.
Bell Pepper
Chopped bell pepper adds a fresh, slight crunch and a pop of color to the dish. Plus, it complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!
Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breasts in a large skillet or pot. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on the outside and cooked through. Once done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. You can also reserve a bit of pasta water to help thin the sauce if needed.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant. This will create a beautiful flavor base for your sauce.
Make the Sauce
Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and a bit of cheese (save some for later!) to the skillet. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti. Mix everything together so the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Bake the Dish
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is golden and bubbling, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 490
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add a little extra comfort.
- Crisp Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots add a nutritious pop of color and flavor to the meal.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of freshness and color.
Presentation matters too! Serve this in a beautiful, deep dish or platter to showcase all the golden, bubbly cheese. It’ll look as delicious as it tastes!
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your Chicken Spaghetti experience even better:
- Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken and sauté the veggies the day before to save time on a busy weeknight. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta if you’re catering to a gluten-free diet.
- Store Leftovers: Leftover Chicken Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the cheese melty!
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully! Just prepare it as directed, but instead of baking, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and bake as usual.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken will save you time and still give you that juicy, flavorful chicken. Just shred it and toss it in!
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it right before you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A4: Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Q5: Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
A5: Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just prepare the dish, freeze it before baking, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and bake as usual.
Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese can work well for different flavor profiles.
Q7: What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
A7: If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make your own creamy sauce using heavy cream or a homemade white sauce.
Q8: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A8: Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, from penne to fusilli, depending on your preference.
Q9: How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?
A9: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, and avoid overmixing it with the sauce. If you’re making it ahead of time, keep the pasta and sauce separate until you bake.
Q10: Can I add more vegetables?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some spinach, peas, or even broccoli to make it more veggie-packed.
Conclusion
Chicken Spaghetti is the kind of dish that brings comfort, joy, and a little bit of magic to any table. It’s cheesy, creamy, and full of savory goodness that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this cozy, satisfying dish—you deserve it!
PrintChicken Spaghetti
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole made with shredded chicken, spaghetti, and a flavorful combination of vegetables and seasonings. This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
- 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Cook a whole fryer chicken, then shred or chop the meat into small pieces until you have 2 cups of cooked chicken. - Cook the Spaghetti:
Use the reserved chicken broth to cook the spaghetti until al dente. Be sure not to overcook. Once done, drain the spaghetti. - Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken, cream of mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese, green bell pepper, onion, diced pimentos, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese. - Cook or Store:
- To Bake Immediately: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. If the cheese starts to brown too much, cover the casserole with foil.
- To Freeze: Cover the casserole and freeze for up to 6 months.
- To Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Serve:
Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or peas to make it even heartier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg