Chicken Spaghetti is a dish that’s easy to love. It’s a simple, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, and even picky eaters usually enjoy it. My easy chicken spaghetti recipe is simply delicious and you’re definitely gonna want seconds!
What is Chicken Spaghetti?
Cheesy chicken spaghetti is a pasta dish that typically includes cooked chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s often baked as a casserole, resulting in a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for family meals. The combination of tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce makes it a family favorite.
How to make Chicken Spaghetti
You’ll be utilizing a simple ingredient list to make my cheesy casserole. Notice there is no type of cream soup in this recipe (i.e. cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup). No shade on canned soup, I use them often, but this is a tasty recipe that you can make using more wholesome ingredients in a creative way. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand.
Email This Recipe?
Get this recipe emailed to your inbox + all of our latest delivered straight to you!
Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced small
- 1 red bell pepper, diced small
- 1 small onion, diced small
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- ¾ cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups), shredded and cut into small pieces
- ½ a (16-ounce) package spaghetti
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Extra parsley for garnish, optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One:Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This is important for cooking the casserole evenly.
Step Two: Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot. This usually involves boiling water, adding the spaghetti, and cooking until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the spaghetti and add a little olive oil or butter. This prevents the spaghetti from sticking together. Set it aside for now.
Step Three: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced yellow and red bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything for 3 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Remember to stir occasionally so that the vegetables cook evenly and don’t burn.
Step Four: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. This step is crucial as it helps to thicken the sauce later. Then, add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. This step ensures that the flour is well incorporated without clumping.
Step Five: Once boiling, whisk in the half and half. Bring the mixture to a boil again, and then stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Make sure the sauce is smooth and well combined, then remove from the heat.
Step Six: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Mix well to ensure that the spaghetti is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
Step Seven: Transfer everything into a casserole dish. This will be used for baking the dish.
Step Eight: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dish to heat through.
Step Nine: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with sharp cheddar cheese. Then return it to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step adds a delicious cheesy crust to the top of the casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Instead of rotisserie chicken, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or leftover chicken. The great thing about rotisserie chicken is how easy it makes this spaghetti bake.
- Pasta: Thin spaghetti or even other pasta shapes can be used.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or additional parmesan cheese.
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, green bell peppers, or red peppers for a different flavor.
- Seasoning: Enhance the dish with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of chili powder.
Best Tips
- Cheese: For the best results, use freshly grated cheese as it melts better.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Consistency: If the consistency of the sauce seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth.
How to Store Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Leftover chicken spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the recipe ahead of time. Just put it in a 9×13 greased baking dish refrigerate it. Bake it when you are ready to eat for a delicious chicken spaghetti casserole. I love great recipes that can be made the next day.
Is chicken spaghetti healthy?
While chicken spaghetti is a comfort food, it can be made healthier by using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables.
Can I use raw chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the recipe. To add more flavor, you can season the chicken breast with your favorite chicken seasoning blend. Italian seasoning is a great choice.
How can I make my chicken spaghetti more flavorful?
Consider adding more seasoning like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a bit of chili powder for a kick. You can also top with fresh basil for some added flavor.
What can I serve with chicken spaghetti?
A simple salad and some garlic bread make great sides for chicken spaghetti.
Can I Freeze Chicken Spaghetti?
You can freeze homemade chicken spaghetti, but since it is made with a dairy-based sauce, there are some things to keep in mind. When freezing dishes with cream sauces, you need to be careful because these sauces can change when frozen and thawed. Before freezing, let the dish cool down completely. Then, freeze it in a container that’s good for the freezer. If you have a lot of it, you might want to freeze it in smaller parts so it’s easier to use later.
When you’re ready to eat it my creamy chicken spaghetti recipe, thaw the dish in the fridge, not on the counter. This slower way helps keep the sauce nice. When you reheat it, do it slowly and stir it well. If the sauce looks a bit weird or separated, adding some fresh cream or milk while reheating can make it smooth again. Dishes with cream sauces that also have flour or cornstarch usually freeze and reheat better. But even with these tips, the sauce might not be exactly the same as it was before freezing.
Enjoy!
Chicken spaghetti is a great recipe for busy weeknights, special occasions, or when you just want a comforting meal. It’s a pasta dish that the whole family can enjoy, and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness make it the best chicken spaghetti recipe!
More Delicious Dinner Ideas
- Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup
- Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
- Old Fashioned Goulash
- How Much Protein is in Chicken Breast?
Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced small
- 1 red bell pepper diced small
- 1 small onion diced small
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- ¾ cups parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 rotisserie chicken about 3 cups, shredded and cut into small pieces
- ½ a 16-ounce package spaghetti
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- extra parsley for garnish optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook spaghetti according to directions on the package. Drain and add a little oil or butter to prevent it sticking together, set aside.
- In a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat melt the butter. Add the peppers, onion, and the garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and allow it to come to a boil while continuing to stir. Whisk in the half and half stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Allow it to come to a boil then stir in the grated parmesan cheese and the parsley, remove from the heat.
- Stir in the chicken and the pasta. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Top with the sharp cheddar cheese. Bake 3 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley.
Video
Save This Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send it straight to you + get all our latest recipes.
Nutrition
Did you make this?
I would love to hear from you! Make sure to leave your review below and follow on Pinterest for more!
Where to next?
Hamburger Soup
Dorito Casserole
Crock Pot 15 Bean Salsa Chili
Clean Eating Turkey Chili Recipe
Ground Pork Tacos
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole