The Creamiest Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Your Family Will Adore

Crafting the perfect chicken spaghetti brings comfort and joy to every kitchen adventure.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in this classic dish.

Pasta lovers will adore how simple ingredients create magic on a plate.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this crowd-pleasing meal that connects generations.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful recipe with just a few smart techniques.

Dive into a culinary experience that promises warmth, flavor, and pure deliciousness.

Why Chicken Spaghetti Is Comfort Food Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty chicken spaghetti casserole that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with every bite, perfect for satisfying hunger and lifting spirits.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Create a delicious meal that brings families and friends together, offering a crowd-favorite dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar and tasty ingredients.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Transform simple ingredients into a spectacular one-dish wonder that works perfectly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings without complicated preparation.
• Smart Ingredient Fusion: Blend chicken, pasta, and creamy cheese with a hint of spice, making this recipe a smart way to use leftover chicken and pantry staples into an exciting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti Dish

• Chicken: A whole fryer chicken provides the main protein and hearty flavor for this classic casserole.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that serves as the base of this comforting dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and sharp flavor to the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy base that binds the ingredients together.

• Green Pepper, Onion: These fresh vegetables add crunch and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Diced Pimentos: Brings a mild, sweet pepper taste and bright color to the casserole.

• Seasoned Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: These spices enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the chicken spaghetti.

How to Cook Chicken Spaghetti Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Tender Chicken

Boil a whole chicken in water until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Save the flavorful broth for cooking spaghetti.

Step 2: Cook Perfect Pasta

Use the reserved chicken broth to cook spaghetti.

Boil until pasta reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked spaghetti
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cheddar cheese
• Chopped green pepper
• Diced onion
• Pimentos
• Seasoned salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble Delicious Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350F. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown top. If cheese browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop onto plates and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Tips for Chicken Spaghetti Success

• Use homemade chicken broth for richer taste and depth compared to store-bought versions, which can enhance the overall dish's complexity.
• Drain spaghetti thoroughly and let it cool slightly before mixing to avoid watery consistency and ensure the casserole stays perfectly creamy.
• Grate cheese directly from a cold block for better melting and more even distribution throughout the chicken spaghetti casserole.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to personal heat preference – start with less and add more gradually to suit individual taste without overwhelming the dish.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld and making meal preparation more convenient.

Variations on Classic Chicken Spaghetti

• Spicy Mexican Chicken Spaghetti: Add jalapeños, swap cayenne for chipotle powder, mix in black beans, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: Replace cream of mushroom with feta cheese, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti: Use andouille sausage, blend in Cajun seasoning, include bell peppers, and garnish with green onions for a Louisiana-style kick.
• Healthier Green Chicken Spaghetti: Substitute whole wheat spaghetti, use low-fat cheese, add spinach, incorporate Greek yogurt instead of cream soup, and include roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.

What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with light acidity to complement the creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole.
• Serve Fresh Garden Salad: Create a tangy green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty pasta dish.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty French bread with garlic butter to provide a crunchy texture and aromatic accompaniment that cuts through the casserole's creaminess.
• Refresh with Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon or lime juice to cleanse the palate and add a bright, refreshing element to the meal.

How to Store Chicken Spaghetti Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken?

Yes, you can substitute a rotisserie chicken for the whole fryer. This saves time and still provides delicious flavor for the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount or omit it completely if you prefer a less spicy version.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can replace it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce as an alternative to keep the creamy consistency.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken spaghetti delivers comfort straight from Southern kitchens, blending tender chicken and cheesy pasta in one irresistible dish. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal that connects you with home-style cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained
• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)

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Instructions

1. Simmer the whole chicken in water until fully cooked, creating a flavorful broth. Remove chicken and shred meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. Use the reserved chicken broth to cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly.
3. Dice green pepper and onion into uniform small pieces. Chop pimentos finely.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of mushroom soup, half the cheddar cheese, diced vegetables, and seasonings.
5. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
6. Transfer mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Position rack in center of oven.
9. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until cheese turns golden and edges become crispy and bubbly.
10. Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Swap out regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and cutting back on added salt for heart-healthy meal modifications.
• Boost vegetable content by adding extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and fiber intake.
• Create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of cream of mushroom soup and choosing reduced-fat cheese for a healthier twist.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg