Chicken Spaghetti: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

Creamy, Cheesy, Family-Friendly Weeknight Dinner

If you’re craving comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor — this Chicken Spaghetti recipe checks every box. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and leaves zero leftovers.

Made with tender shredded chicken, spaghetti pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and savory spices, this classic Southern-style casserole is the perfect make-ahead, freezer-friendly, one-pan dinner.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this easy chicken spaghetti recipe is a guaranteed favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti

• Quick prep using pantry-friendly ingredients
• Ultra-creamy with melty cheese in every bite
• One-pan comfort meal that reheats beautifully
• Customizable — spice it up or add veggies
• Kid-approved and freezer-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup diced onion (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp paprika or cayenne for spice

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. Stir in the shredded chicken and onions.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake

Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Optional Add-Ins

• Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
• Heat: Jalapeños or red pepper flakes
• Meat: Replace chicken with turkey, sausage, or even rotisserie leftovers
• Cheese Mix: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added creaminess and flavor

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45–55 minutes or until heated through

Cooking Hack

Use a rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped chicken breasts to save time. Also, pre-shredded cheese melts slower — for best results, shred cheese fresh off the block.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with:

• A crisp green salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans

It’s a complete comfort meal in under an hour.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or linguine work well — just keep the pasta-to-sauce ratio balanced.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and soups. There are great GF cream soups available online or in stores.

What kind of chicken is best?
Cooked shredded chicken breasts, thighs, or leftover rotisserie chicken all work well.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Spaghetti is everything you love about classic casseroles: rich, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal your family will ask for again and again.

Save this recipe, pin it to your meal planning board, and don’t forget to leave a comment with how it turned out!

Want more one-pan dinner ideas or easy weeknight recipes? Browse our comfort food section for more dishes that feed your family without stress.