Some recipes are born out of nostalgia, some from sheer hunger, and others—like this creamy chicken spaghetti casserole—come from sheer desperation. You see, I had one of those days. The kind where your to-do list laughs in your face, the laundry pile morphs into a small mountain, and dinner? Oh, dinner is that one thing you forgot about until your kids started circling the kitchen like a pack of hungry wolves.
On that chaotic evening, I needed something easy, comforting, and guaranteed to keep everyone quiet for at least ten minutes. A quick peek into my fridge revealed leftover shredded chicken, half a block of cream cheese, and some spaghetti noodles—an odd combination, but I was too tired to question my choices. I threw everything into a casserole dish, hoping for the best. The result? A creamy, cheesy, stick-to-your-ribs masterpiece that instantly became a family favorite.
Now, this easy chicken spaghetti recipe is my go-to for busy nights, potlucks, and any day when I just want something delicious with minimal effort. It’s the best chicken spaghetti recipe I’ve ever made, and I’m pretty sure you’ll agree!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Ridiculously Easy To Make – This cozy cooked chicken spaghetti takes just 20 minutes to throw together before popping it into the oven. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up without breaking a sweat.
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – Thanks to cream cheese, cheddar, and a touch of sour cream, this gourmet chicken spaghetti is pure comfort in a dish. Every bite is rich, luscious, and totally satisfying.
- Family-Approved & Kid-Friendly – Even the pickiest eaters love this baked chicken spaghetti recipe. It’s got that magical balance of cheesy goodness and mild flavors that make everyone happy.
- Perfect For Leftovers – If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken or even turkey from the holidays, this dish is a fantastic way to repurpose it. The flavors get even better the next day!
- One-Pan Wonder – Minimal dishes? Sign me up. You mix everything up in one bowl, dump it into a casserole dish, and let the oven do the rest. It’s an easy dinner with spaghetti noodles at its finest.
- Southern Comfort Food Vibes – This southern chicken spaghetti brings all the creamy, cheesy, homey flavors that make Southern cooking so irresistible.
- Customizable To Your Taste – Want to add a little spice? Toss in some diced jalapeños. Craving veggies? Mix in mushrooms or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
- Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this Rotel chicken spaghetti is always a hit.
Ingredients For The Easy & Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (drained for less liquid)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional for creamier texture)
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or mixing spoon
Cooking Instructions For The Easy & Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Mix everything together: Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture, tossing everything together until well coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight with a side salad or garlic bread!
Notes & Tips
- Make It Spicy – If you love a kick, add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or even a little hot sauce to the mix.
- Switch Up The Cheese – While cheddar and mozzarella are classic, you can use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist.
- Use Different Pasta – Not a fan of spaghetti? Swap it out for penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Any pasta shape works!
- Add More Veggies – If you want to sneak in some greens, mix in cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach before baking.
- Storage & Reheating – This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Make It Ahead – Assemble everything a day in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Macronutrient Count Per Serving
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fats: ~22g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~4g
Pro Tips For The Recipe
- Cook The Pasta Just Right – Don’t overcook your spaghetti! Since it will bake in the oven, cook it just until al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor and makes this dish even easier to prepare.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes for better slices.
- Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese – The cream cheese is what gives this dish its luxurious creaminess. Don’t be tempted to leave it out!
- Make It A Freezer Meal – Assemble everything, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – If you love a bit of texture, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Chicken Spaghetti Chronicles: Your Burning Questions Answered!
1. What are the best side dishes to serve with this recipe?
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, roasted veggies, or even garlic bread. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with buttery Texas toast!
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
3. How can I make this dish even creamier?
For extra creaminess, add an additional 1/2 cup of heavy cream or an extra scoop of sour cream to the sauce before mixing everything together.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have spaghetti on hand, you can swap it for penne, fettuccine, or even rotini. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach make fantastic additions for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
