Cheesy chicken spaghetti makes a comforting weeknight meal and is tasty enough for even the pickiest eaters. This chicken casserole comes together in around 35 minutes!
Why this recipe works
A three-cheese mixture with spaghetti noodles, chicken, and lots of flavorful components go into this chicken spaghetti casserole. It’s an easy mash-up of simple ingredients that you’ll likely have on hand already, plus, it makes an awesome freezer meal as well.
We love a heaping scoop of classic spaghetti and meatballs, but why not switch up the game and try this cheesy chicken spaghetti made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella.
RELATED: you might also like this recipe – Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
NOODLES – Use thin spaghetti noodles for this casserole. You can certainly try it with any type of noodle you’d prefer.
CHICKEN – This recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, however, it’s also great with leftover rotisserie chicken as well.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Start by cooking your pasta according to box instructions, but draining a bit before al dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven and we want it to soak up all the juices. Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot.
- While the water is boiling for the pasta, pre-heat the oven to 350F. Dice chicken breasts into 1/2 inch cubes. Add the olive oil and butter to a large 12 inch skillet and melt. Add the diced chicken and seasoning to the skillet. Cook the chicken about 7 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving behind the liquid.
- Add the onion and pepper to the skillet and saute for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Dust the skillet with flour and mix to cook out the raw flour until mixture is thickened.
- Slowly add 1/2 cup at a time of chicken stock to form the roux, stirring between pours and waiting for the roux to thicken each time. After all the chicken stock has been incorporated, add the can of Rotel and room temperature cream cheese. Mix until cream cheese has fully melted.
- In the still warm pasta pot, combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce. Stir well and transfer to a casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheeses and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted but not browned.
- Top with fresh parsley for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Yes, this dish freezes well. Before you melt the cheeses in the oven, place the prepped and cooled chicken spaghetti into an airtight container (or disposable pan) and freeze for up to 3 months. If you have a freezer to oven safe casserole dish there’s no need to thaw it before cooking. If you do not, you’ll want to allow the container to come to room temp before baking. Bake at 350F until hot and bubbly.
Store your leftover chicken spaghetti in an air-tight container or sealed Ziploc bag kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Absolutely! Feel free to switch out the canned stuff with fresh if that’s your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken spaghetti is a hearty, filling meal on its own but pairs perfectly with homemade Italian bread, garlic bread, or a side salad. Top your spaghetti with some fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
This casserole is great during the cooler months when you’re looking for a meal that’ll stick to your bones, but it’s delicious served year-round on top of that. How can you go wrong with pasta?
More Casserole Recipes
- Taco Casserole
- Ground Beef Casserole
- John Wayne Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
- Macaroni and Cheese Casserole with Ham and Peas
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
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Chicken Spaghetti
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 16 oz thin spaghetti
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 yellow onion small, diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup chicken stock
- 10 oz rotel with chiles
- 4 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Store leftovers in an air tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- You may use freshly shredded cheese or opt for bagged pre-shredded cheese.
Instructions
- Start by cooking your pasta according to box instructions, but draining a bit before al dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven and we want it to soak up all the juices. Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot.
- While the water is boiling for the pasta, pre-heat the oven to 350F. Dice chicken breasts into 1/2 inch cubes. Add the olive oil and butter to a large 12 inch skillet and melt. Add the diced chicken and seasoning to the skillet. Cook the chicken about 7 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving behind the liquid.
- Add the onion and pepper to the skillet and saute for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Dust the skillet with flour and mix to cook out the raw flour until mixture is thickened.
- Slowly add 1/2 cup at a time of chicken stock to form the roux, stirring between pours and waiting for the roux to thicken each time. After all the chicken stock has been incorporated, add the can of Rotel and room temperature cream cheese. Mix until cream cheese has fully melted.
- In the still warm pasta pot, combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce. Stir well and transfer to a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheeses and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted but not browned.
- Top with optional fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for garnish.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Hope says
So glad to finally find a recipe for this that doesn’t use the “molded, mushy” stuff in a rectangle box. Will definitely be giving this a try very soon.
Sherry says
So can this recipe be frozen??
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, but you will want to freeze it BEFORE you place it in the oven. Can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Dianna says
This recipe was so so delicious and I loved it and my extended family. The sauce was a simple one, butt yet so tasteful. I would make this as a new recipe in my books of savory recipe file. I cannot stress enough how easy and super delicious it is. Try it you will be happy you did. It’s also good cold.
Rita Rougeau says
This recipe was wonderful. It is a large recipe but thinking it will freeze nicely as we are only two. The one suggestion I would make is to make it a 2 day recipe. Do all your chopping the day before and it will be a lot quicker day for you. Loved Chicken Spaghetti!!!!
DJ says
Love chicken spaghetti! This is awesome!