Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

A bubbling, creamy, aromatic Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe delivers everything you love about comfort food in one irresistible dish. The silky sauce, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that feels nostalgic yet exciting. This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe works beautifully for busy weeknights, gatherings, or cozy Sundays. You’ll learn how to make it with confidence, customize it to your taste, and master every step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe stands out because every bite hits all the right textures and flavors. The tender spaghetti contrasts with the creamy cheese sauce while the chicken adds heartiness without feeling heavy. The casserole bakes until the top gets golden and slightly crisp, giving you the perfect balance of creamy and crusty.

It’s also delightfully simple. The prep moves quickly, cleanup stays minimal, and the finished meal works for meal prep, potlucks, and picky eaters. You can keep it classic or get creative with spices, vegetables, or different cheeses.

The flavors feel familiar and comforting, yet the richness of the sauce and the smoothness of the pasta make it satisfying enough to bring to holidays or family gatherings. If you love cozy pasta dinners, this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes.

Ingredients

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building flavor and achieving the perfect texture. Measurements are provided in both US and metric so you can cook however you prefer.

• 12 oz (340 g) dry spaghetti

• 2 cups (280 g) cooked shredded chicken

• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup

• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup (115 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced onion

• 1/2 cup (75 g) diced green bell pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

The cheeses melt into a creamy base, while the seasonings create depth without overpowering the flavor. The tomatoes add brightness, making the casserole feel balanced.

Pro Tips

Making the best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe comes down to a few simple but game-changing techniques:

1. Cook the pasta slightly under al dente.
Since the spaghetti will continue cooking in the oven, undercooking by 1–2 minutes prevents a mushy texture. This keeps every strand firm and creamy rather than soggy.

2. Use freshly shredded cheese.
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating your own cheddar and mozzarella creates a luxuriously creamy sauce.

3. Mix the sauce separately before combining with the pasta.
Whisking the soups, broth, seasonings, and cheeses together ensures the sauce gets evenly distributed. This prevents pockets of liquid or dense clumps in the casserole.

These small steps make a big difference in achieving a velvety, evenly cooked casserole with great flavor and structure.

Instructions

Step 1
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until slightly under al dente. This gives it just enough firmness to hold up during baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Make sure the mixture looks smooth before adding anything else. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3
Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes with green chilies into the sauce. This distributes flavor throughout the casserole and adds color. Mix well so every spoonful layers the vegetables evenly.

Step 4
Stir in the shredded chicken along with half of the cheddar and half of the mozzarella. This creates a silky, cheesy base. If the mixture feels slightly thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it.

Step 5
Fold the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture. Work gently so the noodles don’t break. Turn the pasta until all strands get coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top to form a golden crust during baking.

Step 7
Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the edges bubble slightly. If you prefer a crispy top, turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 8
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting time helps the sauce thicken, making the casserole easier to slice and serve.

This step-by-step approach gives you a creamy, rich casserole with perfectly cooked noodles and a flavorful finish.

Variations

You can easily make this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe fit different tastes or dietary needs.

Spicy Kick:
Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or pepper jack cheese to create a bold version similar to spicy garlic pasta with bacon.

Veggie-Loaded:
Mix in mushrooms, spinach, peas, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.

Lighter Version:
Swap regular soups for low-sodium options, use whole-wheat spaghetti, and substitute part of the cheese with Greek yogurt.

Each variation keeps the comforting essence of the casserole while allowing you to personalize the flavors.

Storage/Serving

Store leftover Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole reheats beautifully in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating for the best texture.

For serving, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped scallions to brighten the plate. Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a balanced and satisfying meal. This dish also works well as a make-ahead freezer dinner or potluck centerpiece.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, and it adds great flavor. Shred it finely so it mixes evenly.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, linguine, or fusilli work well, but spaghetti remains the most traditional.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I avoid the casserole drying out?
Ensure your sauce mixture looks slightly loose before baking. Pasta absorbs liquid quickly.

5. Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add cayenne, diced jalapeños, or swap in pepper jack cheese to heat things up.

Conclusion

This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is comfort food at its finest — creamy, hearty, and packed with family-friendly flavor. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple evening into something warm and memorable.