Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this incredible Chicken Spaghetti Bake. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a rich, creamy, and cheesy masterpiece that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a velvety sauce, all baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug and has the whole family coming back for seconds. Whether you need a guaranteed win for a weeknight dinner, a potluck superstar, or a comforting meal to share, this recipe is your answer.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Bake
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons, and I know you’ll love it too!
- Unbelievably Creamy: We use a secret combination of ingredients to create a sauce that’s luxuriously smooth and coats every single strand of spaghetti.
- Perfectly Cheesy: A generous blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a flavorful, bubbly topping and a gooey, melted-in sauce.
- Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this dish is surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a busy evening.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: It’s a classic combination of flavors that both kids and adults adore. This is a guaranteed clean-plate-club dinner!
The Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Bake
The magic of this dish comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole.
For the Creamy Chicken Base
- Spaghetti: The classic choice! Break it into thirds before boiling to make the final casserole easier to serve.
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is what you need. A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, or you can boil or bake two large chicken breasts.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the classic, creamy backbone of the sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (like Rotel): Do not drain! The liquid adds essential flavor and moisture to the sauce.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: Finely diced and sautéed, these build the foundational flavor of the dish.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness and contributes to the ultra-creamy texture.
- Chicken Broth: Helps to create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Spices: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
For the Cheesy Topping
- Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: I find this combination offers the best of both worlds – sharp flavor from the cheddar and superior meltiness from the Monterey Jack. Freshly shredded is always best!
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Bake (Step-by-Step)
Making this creamy chicken spaghetti recipe is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to package directions, then drain. While it’s cooking, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper in a little oil until softened.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chicken broth, and spices. Mix until everything is smooth and well-combined.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until every ingredient is fully coated in the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro-Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Want to guarantee a flawless bake every time? Keep these simple tips in mind.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starches that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the gooiest, creamiest result, buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself.
- Use a Rotisserie Chicken: To save time and add extra flavor, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the perfect shortcut for this recipe.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. For another cheesy pasta favorite, check out this Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta.
- Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli are wonderful additions.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or use a hot version of the diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try a blend of Colby Jack, Provolone, or even a little Velveeta mixed into the sauce for extra creaminess.
What to Serve with Your Bake
This Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast. For something warm and savory, you can’t go wrong with Homemade Garlic Knots to soak up any extra sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also make excellent, healthy companions.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This is a fantastic make-ahead meal! For another great casserole option, try this Hearty Cowboy Casserole.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze
You can freeze the entire unbaked casserole or leftover portions. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
How to Reheat
Reheat individual portions in the microwave. To reheat a larger amount, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
The key to a creamy, not dry, Chicken Spaghetti Bake is having enough sauce. This recipe uses a combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and the liquid from the canned tomatoes to ensure a rich, velvety sauce that keeps the dish moist even after baking.
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade cream sauce. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of milk or half-and-half until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon powder for flavor.
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the quickest and easiest option, and its seasoned meat adds extra flavor. Alternatively, you can boil or bake two large chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
Share Your Creations!
I hope you love this Chicken Spaghetti Bake as much as my family does! If you make it, I would love to see your creations. Please leave a comment below or share a photo of your dish on Pinterest. Your feedback and shares help more people discover this recipe!
Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Chicken Spaghetti Bake: The Ultimate Cheesy & Creamy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper in a tablespoon of oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and 2 cups of the shredded cheese to the sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let the Chicken Spaghetti Bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up and makes serving easier.
Notes
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.
Don't overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
