Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that delivers big on flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness? Meet the Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti: a family-friendly casserole that combines juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, a luscious sauce, and plenty of melty cheddar all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is easy to throw together on a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests, making it a go-to favorite in any home cook’s recipe box. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty dinner, the Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is guaranteed to satisfy every appetite around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, from the tender spaghetti to the creamy sauce and sharp cheddar topping. These simple staples come together to create layers of savory, cheesy, and subtly spicy flavor that make Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti truly unforgettable.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces, broken in half): Breaking the pasta helps it bake evenly and makes serving so much easier.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sauté in olive oil brings out the sweetness in your veggies.
- Onion, finely chopped (½): Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the sauce base.
- Green bell pepper, chopped (1): Brings a pop of color and a fresh, slightly tangy bite.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): The creamy backbone that ties everything together.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz can): Delivers a gentle kick and juicy tomato flavor—Rotel is a classic choice.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and extra creaminess to the sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Use half for the sauce and half for that irresistible golden top.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the savory notes even more.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to bring all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a hint of warmth and balance.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or a touch of olive oil. This simple step ensures your Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti comes out easily and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti just until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain well and set aside—remember, you want the pasta to hold its shape once it’s baked in all that creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This quick sauté unlocks sweet, savory flavors and adds a lovely base to your casserole.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture looks creamy and colorful—this is what makes Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti so irresistible!
Step 5: Layer and Top with Cheese
Pour the spaghetti mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top for that classic, gooey finish everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut neat portions.
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a fresh, vibrant finish to each plate. For a little extra zing, you can also scatter a few diced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread, or even simple steamed green beans. These sides help round out the meal and offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti in individual ramekins for personal portions or spoon it into large pasta bowls and top with extra cheese. Hosting a potluck? Bake it in a foil pan for easy transport and sharing, or add cooked bacon or mushrooms to make it your own signature version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—the flavors only get better as they mingle, making next-day lunches a real treat!
Freezing
Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is a freezer superstar. Assemble the casserole (but skip the final bake), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just add a splash of milk or broth to keep things creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti is classic, you can swap in linguine, penne, or even rotini if you prefer. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well during baking.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, but any cooked, shredded chicken will do—leftover roast chicken or even poached breasts work perfectly in Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti.
How can I make this dish a bit spicier?
If you love a little heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or sprinkle in some chopped pickled jalapeños before baking.
Is it possible to make Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally suitable.
Can I assemble Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a lifesaver for busy nights or when prepping for company.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is such a beloved staple in so many homes—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or just treating yourself to some cozy comfort food, this recipe might just become your new favorite too. Give it a try and see why it’s truly the ultimate!
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Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a flavorful combination of cream of chicken soup and diced tomatoes with green chilies, this baked pasta dish brings a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that can be made ahead and even frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti and cook until just al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta brand. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and chopped green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly for a uniform bake. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save time.
- Add cooked bacon or mushrooms to enhance the flavor with extra savory notes.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble it ahead of time and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
