The Creamiest Chicken Spaghetti Recipe For Family Dinner Joy

Tucked away in my grandmother’s weathered cookbook, this hearty chicken spaghetti recipe whispers comfort and tradition.

Memories of Sunday dinners flood back with each twirling forkful of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Comfort food carries magic that connects generations through simple, shared moments.

Melted cheese stretches like golden threads, binding tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta into one delightful embrace.

Seasoned home cooks know the secret lies in balancing flavors with care and love.

Weeknight dinners transform from mundane to magnificent when you bring this soul-warming dish to the table.

Let’s dive into a culinary journey that promises to satisfy and delight your taste buds.

Chicken Spaghetti Makeover Ideas

• Gluten-Free Chicken Spaghetti: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Casserole: Swap spaghetti with riced cauliflower, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduce cheese quantity for a keto-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole: Substitute cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives, use coconut milk-based cream of mushroom soup, and maintain the same flavor profile for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken substitute, keeping the original seasoning and cooking method intact for a meat-free version.

FAQs

• Is chicken spaghetti a traditional American dish?

Chicken spaghetti originated in the Southern United States, particularly in Texas, as a comforting casserole that combines pasta, chicken, and cheese in a creamy sauce.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop 2 cups of meat as a quick alternative to cooking a whole chicken from scratch.

• What makes this dish different from regular pasta?

Unlike traditional pasta dishes, chicken spaghetti is a baked casserole with a unique combination of cream of mushroom soup, cheese, and subtle spices that create a rich, hearty flavor profile.

• How spicy is this recipe with cayenne pepper?

The cayenne pepper adds a very mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit it entirely without significantly changing the dish’s overall taste.

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti That’s Always a Hit

• Unbelievably Easy Family Feast: This chicken spaghetti recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare ahead and freeze for up to 6 months, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected dinner guests.
• Comfort Food Perfection: Packed with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a hint of spice, this casserole delivers pure comfort in every bite.
• Flexible Cooking Option: Bake immediately or store in the refrigerator for two days, providing ultimate convenience for home cooks.

Chicken Spaghetti Ingredient List

• Chicken: Whole fryer chicken shredded into tender meat pieces, best when freshly cooked and warm.
• Chicken Broth: Reserved liquid from cooking chicken, provides extra flavor depth.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta base for the casserole, needs to be cooked al dente for perfect texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor, grated for easy melting and distribution.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and adds smooth texture.

• Green Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and aromatic flavor, finely diced for even distribution.
• Pimentos: Sweet red peppers that add color and mild flavor.

• Seasoned Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice mix that enhances overall dish flavor, balances the creaminess of the casserole.

One-Pot Instructions for Classic Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare Tender Chicken

Boil a whole chicken in water until fully cooked.

Once done, carefully pull the meat apart into bite-sized shreds.

Set aside the flavorful broth for later use.

Step 2: Cook Perfect Pasta

Use the saved chicken broth to cook spaghetti until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Drain the pasta completely, shaking off any excess liquid.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Cooked spaghetti
• Shredded chicken
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Diced green pepper
• Chopped onion
• Vibrant pimentos
• Seasoned salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and looking irresistible.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole Masterpiece

Transfer the mixed goodness into a baking dish.

Sprinkle an extra layer of grated cheddar cheese on top for that perfect golden crust.

Step 5: Bake or Preserve

Baking Option:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Slide the casserole in and bake until it’s bubbling with cheesy goodness and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

If the cheese starts getting too dark, cover with foil.

Freezing Option:

Wrap the casserole securely and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Refrigeration Option:

Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool slightly, then dig in and savor every delicious bite!

Pasta Tips for Chicken Spaghetti Comfort Food

• Reserve the chicken broth from cooking for extra depth, using it to cook spaghetti instead of water for a richer taste profile.
• Drain spaghetti thoroughly to avoid watery casserole, ensuring each bite remains perfectly textured and appetizing.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat tolerance, adding more for spice lovers or reducing for sensitive palates.
• Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly, protecting the top while allowing complete melting and golden color development.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance, freezing up to 6 months for convenient, stress-free meal planning whenever needed.

Store Chicken Spaghetti Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken spaghetti fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Move frozen chicken spaghetti to the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even warming.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Sides and Salads for Chicken Spaghetti

• Perfectly Paired Wine: Select a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken spaghetti, balancing its creamy texture with bright, zesty notes.
• Complementary Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to provide a fresh contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or herb-infused focaccia alongside the dish, allowing diners to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch.
• Southern-Style Beverage Pairing: Enjoy a tall glass of sweet iced tea with fresh mint, echoing the dish's southern comfort food roots and offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich meal.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken spaghetti brings southern comfort to dinner tables with its cheesy, hearty goodness. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and pasta blend into a soul-satisfying meal that welcomes hungry diners home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups mixed in, 1 cup for topping)

Dairy and Soup Base:

• 2 cans (10.5 ounces / 298 grams each) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 jar (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced pimentos, drained
• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Poach the whole chicken in water, creating a flavorful broth, then carefully extract and shred the tender meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. Utilize the reserved chicken broth to cook spaghetti strands until perfectly tender, ensuring they maintain a slight firmness. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, incorporate the cooked spaghetti, succulent shredded chicken, creamy mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, finely diced green pepper, chopped onion, vibrant pimentos, and a medley of seasonings including salt, cayenne, and pepper.
4. Gently transfer the harmonized mixture into a generously sized casserole dish, creating an even layer of delectable ingredients.
5. Lavishly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a tempting golden blanket.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center. Bake the casserole for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and perfectly melted cheese.
7. If the cheese begins to darken too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the dish settle before serving.
9. For future enjoyment, the assembled casserole can be refrigerated for two days or frozen for up to six months, providing flexible meal preparation options.

Notes

• Master the chicken cooking by simmering it gently to ensure tender, moist meat that shreds easily and maximizes flavor extraction.
• Prevent soggy spaghetti by cooking precisely al dente and draining immediately to maintain perfect pasta texture in the casserole.
• Enhance flavor complexity by sautéing green peppers and onions before mixing to release their natural sweetness and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Adapt for dietary needs by substituting cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce or using gluten-free alternatives to create a more personalized dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg