Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines the best of Italian and American comfort food? This chicken spaghetti casserole recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. With tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, creamy sauce, this casserole brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This hearty casserole has become a beloved family favorite for good reason. It's the perfect make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy cheese sauce creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey after the holidays.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Helpful Tips
- Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Equipment For Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Storage Instructions
- The Hidden Trick for Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- FAQ
- Your New Go-To Comfort Food: The Best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Related
- Pairing
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
the Casserole:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the spaghetti.
- While waiting for the water, dice all your vegetables.
Cook the Pasta
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions, but reduce cooking time by 1 minute for al dente texture.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions, celery, and bell pepper until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in sour cream and 2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine and Assemble
- Add the shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the chicken-sauce mixture over the cooked spaghetti and toss until well coated.
- Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.
Add Toppings and Bake
- Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs in a small bowl.
- Top the casserole with remaining cheddar cheese and the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Helpful Tips
- Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- For extra flavor, use a rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken.
- Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set and make serving easier.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This protein-rich casserole provides a complete meal when paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Each serving offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium. For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and cream soups.
Serve with:
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
- Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Glass of medium-bodied red wine for adults
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper
- Swap chicken for turkey or tuna
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber
- Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with mushrooms and vegetable broth
- Add different vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach
Equipment For Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months
- To reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through
The Hidden Trick for Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Want to take your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe to the next level? Here’s a little-known restaurant secret: blend a bit of cream cheese into the sauce. This simple addition creates an ultra-creamy texture that clings to every strand of spaghetti, making each bite even more indulgent. The best part? It balances out the tanginess of the sour cream and enhances the richness of the cheddar cheese without overpowering the dish.
For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting your garlic before adding it to the sauce. Roasted garlic melts into the casserole, adding a subtle sweetness that transforms the whole dish into something unforgettable. These small tweaks make a world of difference—once you try them, you’ll never make your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole the same way again!
FAQ
What All Goes in Chicken Spaghetti?
A Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe includes cooked shredded chicken, spaghetti, a creamy sauce made with cream soups, sour cream, and cheese, plus sautéed vegetables like onions, celery, and bell peppers. It's seasoned with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then baked with a cheesy breadcrumb topping for a golden, bubbly finish.
What Is the Difference Between Chicken Spaghetti and Chicken Tetrazzini?
While both are creamy pasta dishes, chicken spaghetti has a Tex-Mex twist with a cheesy, creamy base and often includes bell peppers. Chicken tetrazzini, on the other hand, has a richer, buttery cream sauce, usually made with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese, and is often served with egg noodles instead of spaghetti.
How to Make a Chicken Casserole?
To make a chicken casserole, combine cooked shredded chicken with pasta, rice, or potatoes, and mix with a creamy sauce made of soups, cheese, or a homemade béchamel. Add vegetables, seasonings, and a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs or cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting, hearty meal.
What Goes With Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
Pair your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus. For a complete meal, add a glass of white wine or a light dessert like Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes to balance the richness of the casserole.
Your New Go-To Comfort Food: The Best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe isn’t just another dinner—it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into a cozy, feel-good gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s bound to become a family favorite that gets requested again and again. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving the ultimate comfort food, this dish delivers every time.
Now that you’ve mastered this classic, why not explore more delicious casseroles? If you loved this, you’ll definitely want to try our Chicken Alfredo Casserole for another creamy, cheesy delight. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, our Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes are the perfect way to end your meal on a high note. Happy cooking!
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Pairing
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Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti Cooked al dente
- 3 cups Cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken works best
- 2 cans Cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz each
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese Shredded, divided
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- 1 medium onion Finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth Adjust for consistency
- 1 cup sour cream Full-fat preferred
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste To taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley for garnish Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x13 baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix soups, broth, and sour cream in large bowl.
- Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic until soft.
- Combine pasta, chicken, vegetables, and sauce mixture.
- Pour into baking dish. Top with cheese.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle on top.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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