Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Everyone Will Love

Culinary magic happens when cheesy chicken spaghetti meets your kitchen creativity.

Comfort blends perfectly with indulgence in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weekend meal planning suddenly becomes exciting with such a delectable option.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy, satisfying classic.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the harmonious blend of tender chicken and melted cheese.

Rich flavors dance across your palate with each hearty bite.

Trust me, you’ll want to savor every single delicious forkful of this irresistible meal.

Sips to Match Chicken Spaghetti

  • Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair the creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti with a crisp, chilled Chardonnay to balance its rich, hearty texture.
  • Refresh with Salad: Serve alongside a light, tangy mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Cool and Crunch: Add garlic bread or toasted herb-seasoned breadcrumbs on the side to provide a delightful crunch and soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Brighten with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to introduce a vibrant, fresh element that elevates the overall flavor profile of the comforting pasta dish.

Chicken Spaghetti Cheese and Sauce Variants

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken and mushroom soups. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower cream sauce instead of canned soups for a healthier alternative.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, jackfruit, or roasted chickpeas. Use vegetable cream soup and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for depth.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk, and swap sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and has a similar cooking time.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. It reheats well and stays delicious for 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Try using low-fat cream soups, reduced-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free cream soups and gluten-free pasta. Check ingredient labels carefully to ensure all components are gluten-free.

Chicken Spaghetti That’s Cheesy, Creamy, and Well-Loved

  • Quick Family Comfort: Transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone to the table with minimal fuss.
  • Versatile Weeknight Winner: Combines protein, pasta, and cheese in one dish, offering a complete meal that satisfies hunger and delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
  • Time-Saving Magic: Delivers a complete dinner in under an hour, with most of the cooking time spent hands-off in the oven, allowing busy families to relax while dinner practically makes itself.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti – Full Ingredient List

Pasta Base:
  • Spaghetti: Core pasta that provides the foundation of the dish, best when cooked al dente.
Main Protein:
  • Cooked Chicken: Hearty protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole, rotisserie or shredded chicken works great.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create rich, creamy texture and golden top, sharp cheddar provides extra flavor.
Sauce Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy bases that bind ingredients and add depth, low-sodium versions recommended.
  • Milk: Helps create smooth sauce consistency, whole milk provides richer flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create creamy texture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor, adjust to personal taste preference.
Optional Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds color and light onion flavor, completely optional but recommended for brightness.

Chicken Spaghetti Instructions with Cheesy Goodness

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Pasta Party

Boil your spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, ready to become the star of your dish.

Step 3: Sauce Spectacular

In a large mixing bowl, blend these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Cheese and Protein Fusion

Toss these delicious ingredients into your sauce:
  • Cooked chicken
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Stir until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Pasta Meets Sauce

Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand gets a luxurious coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden, bubbly top and melted cheese that makes your mouth water.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Casserole Tips for the Cheesiest Chicken Spaghetti

  • Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce for extra silkiness and help bind ingredients together perfectly.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique flavor variations that elevate the dish.
  • Replace cream soups with homemade white sauce or low-fat alternatives to reduce sodium and calories without compromising taste.
  • Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even shredded pork for a quick protein alternative that keeps the dish exciting.

Reheat Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
  • Transfer cooled chicken spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, stirring occasionally.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
Print
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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible cheesy chicken spaghetti that blends creamy textures with savory chicken. Hearty pasta strands intermingle with melted cheese and tender chicken, promising a deeply satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)

Pasta and Base:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti, cooked and drained
  • 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup

Cheese and Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  2. Incorporate shredded chicken and both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the cheese and chicken mixture, coating each strand thoroughly with the rich, velvety sauce.
  4. Transfer the saucy pasta blend into a generously greased rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
  5. Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350°F and allow the casserole to bake until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape of melted cheese.
  6. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the sauce to slightly thicken.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions across the surface for a fresh, vibrant garnish before serving the piping hot chicken spaghetti.

Notes

  • Choose tender, pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie for extra flavor and convenience.
  • Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Use low-fat cream soups and reduced-fat cheeses for a lighter version without compromising taste.
  • Customize by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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