If you have been searching for a cozy, comforting dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and guarantees smiles all around, then you must try this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It’s a brilliant combination of tender chicken, creamy soups, cheesy goodness, and a little zing from diced tomatoes with green chilies, all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it a beloved meal for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Trust me, once you make this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorites to cook and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this dish is delightfully simple, yet each element plays a vital role in crafting its signature comfort-food character. From the savory shredded chicken to the rich cream soups and a touch of spice in the diced tomatoes, every bite bursts with flavor and texture.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Use shredded or chopped, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience and flavor.
- Spaghetti noodles (8 ounces): Broken in half to fit the casserole dish and hold the sauce better.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds a velvety creaminess that binds everything together.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Enhances the poultry flavor and silky texture in the casserole.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 ounces, drained): Offers a mild kick and vibrant color to keep it exciting.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the casserole moist and deepens the savory notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): The star cheese layer that melts into a luscious, golden topping and creamy mix inside.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Sautéed until soft, it brings natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle pungency to brighten the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the onions with a touch of richness.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pasta
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until just al dente—that means tender but still firm to the bite—which helps the pasta hold up well when baked in the sauce later. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside to prevent overcooking.
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in your chopped onions. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn soft and translucent. This step unlocks a natural sweetness and soft bite that complements the creamy, cheesy elements perfectly.
Step 3: Combine the Casserole Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, bring together your cooked chicken, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, half of your shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a thorough stir so the sauce coats every bit of chicken and pasta that’s about to join it.
Step 4: Add the Pasta and Mix Gently
Now fold in the cooked spaghetti noodles carefully to avoid breaking them further. Make sure the pasta is evenly mixed into that delicious, creamy sauce blend. This harmonious mix is the essence of your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the entire mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously on top to create a golden, bubbly cheese crust when baked. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and bubbles are visible around the edges.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and ensuring every serving is warm and satisfying.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten the hearty casserole, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over each serving. These fresh green notes provide a lovely contrast and make every plate pop with color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole pairs beautifully with crisp garden salads or roasted vegetables. A simple Caesar salad or steamed broccoli adds a crunchy, light element to balance the creaminess of the casserole, making it a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky touch or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for extra texture. Alternatively, scoop it onto large lettuce leaves for a low-carb serving that still keeps the dish’s comforting core intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Spaghetti Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for easy, tasty lunches or quick dinners that just need reheating.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe later, you can freeze it. Prepare the casserole through assembly, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly or place the whole casserole back in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 20 minutes. Adding a few extra minutes uncovered at the end will help revive the cheesy topping’s crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor, making your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe even easier to put together.
What if I can’t find cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with homemade versions by combining milk, butter, flour, and broth to create a creamy base, or try using cream of celery or cream of broccoli for a slight twist.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach work beautifully and add extra nutrition and color.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like heat, try adding chopped jalapeños or extra diced tomatoes with green chilies. A dash of hot sauce mixed into the casserole also does the trick.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican blend cheese would melt nicely and provide delicious flavor variations.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy to make, utterly comforting, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and give this casserole a whirl; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This classic Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, cheesy spaghetti, and a flavorful blend of cream of mushroom and chicken soups. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked pasta dish combines creamy, savory, and slightly spicy elements for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (like Rotel)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the bowl and mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and coated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the spaghetti mixture. Spread evenly and then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient option.
- Substitute store-bought cream soups with homemade versions to reduce preservatives.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and texture.
