There are certain dishes that just scream “comfort food,” and for me, it’s always been connected to the countless church potlucks where a bubbling, cheesy pan of Chicken Spaghetti was the star of the show; each spoonful was a warm, welcoming hug. This recipe brings back all those lovely memories, and I’m so excited to share my version of this classic dish with you, because you’re about to make a Chicken Spaghetti that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Chicken Spaghetti
Okay, let’s get real – Chicken Spaghetti isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece of easy comfort. But why is it so good? And why should you trust my recipe? Here’s the lowdown:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that instantly makes you feel good.
- Easy to Make: Seriously, this recipe is foolproof. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can nail this.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone loves Chicken Spaghetti. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or just a cozy night in.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add more veggies, use different cheeses, or spice it up with some chili flakes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Need to prep ahead of time? No problem! You can assemble the Chicken Spaghetti and bake it later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our troops! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Chicken Spaghetti:
- Chicken: 2-3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver!). You can also bake or poach chicken breasts.
- Spaghetti: 1 pound, cooked according to package directions. Don’t overcook it! Al dente is best.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can. This adds creaminess and flavor.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can. More creamy goodness!
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: 1 (10 ounce) can, like Rotel. This adds a little kick and some freshness.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Adds depth of flavor.
- Bell Pepper: 1/2, chopped. Adds sweetness and crunch.
- Celery: 1/2 cup, chopped. Adds a subtle savory note.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because everything is better with garlic!
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. Divided – some for the mixture, some for topping.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Adds a lovely melt and a mild flavor. (Optional, but recommended!)
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup. Helps to keep the spaghetti moist.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the veggies.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: A dash of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or some chili powder for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup! We’re about to transform these ingredients into a Chicken Spaghetti masterpiece. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender, not browned.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Step 2: Mix It All Together
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese (if using).
- Add the shredded chicken and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure the spaghetti is evenly coated.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy!
Step 3: Bake It to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking.
- Pour the Chicken Spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the spaghetti is heated through.
Step 4: Let It Rest and Serve
- Remove the Chicken Spaghetti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents it from being too soupy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Spaghetti Ever
Okay, friend-to-friend, here are a few insider secrets to take your Chicken Spaghetti to the next level:
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Overcooked spaghetti will turn mushy in the casserole. Aim for al dente.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s a huge time-saver and adds great flavor. Plus, it’s already cooked!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas. Just sauté them along with the onion, bell pepper, and celery.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce, some chili powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Cheese, Please!: Experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a little Parmesan cheese would be delicious.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the Chicken Spaghetti and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freezer-Friendly: Chicken Spaghetti freezes beautifully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Creaminess Boost: For an extra creamy Chicken Spaghetti, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Variations to Make It Your Own
This recipe is just a starting point! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Creamy Chicken Spaghetti: Add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the sauce mixture for an even richer, creamier texture.
- Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel) and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Healthier Chicken Spaghetti: Use whole wheat spaghetti, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and add extra vegetables.
- BBQ Chicken Spaghetti: Use BBQ sauce instead of the diced tomatoes and green chilies and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Chicken Tetrazzini: Essentially the same thing! Some people call it Chicken Tetrazzini, others Chicken Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much carbs and garlic!
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing dessert.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
Even the best cooks run into snags sometimes. Here’s how to troubleshoot common Chicken Spaghetti problems:
- Dry Chicken Spaghetti: If the spaghetti seems dry, add a little more chicken broth before baking.
- Watery Chicken Spaghetti: If the spaghetti is too watery, drain the diced tomatoes and green chilies before adding them to the mixture. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce to thicken it up.
- Bland Chicken Spaghetti: If the spaghetti lacks flavor, add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also add depth of flavor.
- Burnt Cheese: To prevent the cheese from burning, tent the baking dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Other Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re loving the chicken casserole vibe, then you absolutely MUST check out some of my other favorite chicken recipes! They’re all designed to be easy, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
For a super flavorful and creamy dish, you can’t go wrong with Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. It’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker, and the flavor is out of this world.
If you’re looking for another great casserole, give my Chicken Casserole Recipe a try. It’s a classic for a reason!
Want something a little different? The Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake is always a hit, plus it looks so elegant.
And if you’re in the mood for pasta, my Marry Me Chicken Pasta is another winner! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, similar to Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
For something simple and delicious, try my Baked Cream Cheese Chicken. It’s incredibly easy and always a crowd-pleaser.
Looking for something with a kick? Check out the Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta. It’s cheesy and delicious!
For pasta lovers, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a fantastic choice.
And for a lighter option, try my Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole, which is perfect for those watching their carbs.
Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ready to make some magic? Here’s the full recipe card:
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2-3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese (if using), shredded chicken, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and spaghetti is heated through.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Your very own, incredibly delicious Chicken Spaghetti. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Happy cooking, my friend!
Can I prepare the Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Spaghetti and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I do to make the Chicken Spaghetti spicier?
For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce, some chili powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. You could also use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel).
What are some variations I can try to make this recipe my own?
You can try different cheeses, add more vegetables like mushrooms or carrots, use BBQ sauce instead of diced tomatoes for a BBQ Chicken Spaghetti, or add cream cheese for a creamier texture.
How can I prevent the Chicken Spaghetti from being too dry?
If the spaghetti seems dry, add a little more chicken broth before baking.
Chicken Spaghetti Best Easy Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese (if using), shredded chicken, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and spaghetti is heated through.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
