Easy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Name: Easy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded (rotisserie or pre-cooked)); 8 oz uncooked spaghetti; 1 can (10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup); 1 can (10.5 oz cream of chicken soup); 1 can (10 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped); 1/2 green bell pepper (chopped (optional)); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 cup Velveeta (cubed); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Chicken spaghetti is the kind of dish that instantly brings people together. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, it’s the comfort food your dinner table has been waiting for. Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering, prepping for the week ahead, or simply looking for something delicious after a long day—this recipe is your best bet.

I first learned to make a version of this dish with my grandmother, who called it “pasta al pollo con amore”—pasta with chicken and love. Over the years, I’ve adapted it with Southern touches like Velveeta and Rotel, but it still holds the same cozy charm.

In this post, you’ll get everything you need to make the best chicken spaghetti recipe, including substitutions, storage tips, and delicious serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti: Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Spaghetti
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
- What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Ready to Make Comfort in a Dish?
- Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

There are several reasons why this creamy chicken spaghetti is exceptional:

Very Easy: Even though it looks amazing, the steps to make it are simple. Anyone can do it, no matter how skilled they are in the kitchen.
The Best Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and very satisfying – it’s the perfect meal to feel cozy.
Loved by Everyone: This dish is popular with both kids and adults. Everyone will enjoy it!
Highly Adaptable: Easily customize ingredients, spice levels, and add your favorite vegetables.
Great for Leftovers: Chicken spaghetti reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can Be Baked or Made on the Stovetop: Choose the method that suits you best!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious chicken spaghetti recipe relies on simple ingredients you likely-already have or can easily find at any grocery store.

Spaghetti: About 1 pound. You can break it in half or cook it long.
Cooked Chicken: Approximately 3-4 cups, shredded or cubed. Rotisserie chicken is perfect here for convenience, or you can cook chicken breasts or thighs-specifically for this recipe.
Butter: About 1/4 cup (half a stick) for building flavor.
Onion & Bell Pepper: 1 medium onion and 1 bell pepper (any color), finely diced. These add essential aromatic flavor.
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic makes a difference!
Cream of Chicken Soup: 01 (10.5 oz) can. This is a classic shortcut for a creamy base. (See variations for making it without canned soup!)
Cream of Mushroom Soup: 01 (10.5 oz) can. Adds depth and creaminess. (Can substitute with another-can of cream of chicken or see variations).
Diced Tomatoes with Green-Chilies (Rotel): 1 (10 oz) can, undrained. Adds a touch of acidity, flavor, and a little kick. Adjust amount or omit based on preference.
Chicken Broth or Stock: About 1 cup. Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
Cheese: 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Sharp cheddar offers great flavor. Velveeta is also a popular, melty option (see variations).
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Optional Seasonings: A pinch of red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor.
Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or green onions.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch oven (for cooking pasta and combining ingredients)
Large skillet (for sautéing vegetables and making sauce)
9×13 inch baking dish (if making the baked version)
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater (or buy pre-shredded cheese)

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti: Step-by-Step Instructions

Time needed: 45 minutes

Follow these simple-steps for a perfect batch of creamy chicken spaghetti.

Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large-pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until just al dente. Don’t overcook—it will continue cooking in the oven.
Prep the Chicken
Shred your pre-cooked chicken. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat finely.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, sauté the onions and bell-peppers over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic powder and paprika, then stir in the Rotel.
Make the Sauce
Add the cream of mushroom and cream chicken soup, followed by chicken broth. Stir in Velveeta and half the cheddar cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
Combine It All
In a large bowl or your skillet (if big enough), mix the spaghetti, shredded chicken, and sauce until well combined.
Bake
Pour everything into a greased 09×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken spaghetti!

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Spaghetti

Achieving perfect chicken spaghetti is easy with a few key tips:

Al Dente Pasta is Non-Negotiable: Seriously, undercook your pasta slightly. It will-continue to cook in the hot sauce or the oven, and cooking it fully beforehand will result in mushy spaghetti – nobody wants that!
Moist Chicken is Key: Ensure your chicken is cooked until tender and shredded well. Dry chicken will make the whole dish less enjoyable. Rotisserie chicken is great for moisture and flavor.
Build Flavor in the Sauce: Don’t rush sautéing the vegetables. Cook them until softened to create a flavorful base. Add garlic towards the end to prevent-burning.
Cheese Quality Matters: Using freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents. A good sharp cheddar adds fantastic flavor.
Don’t Be Afraid to Season: Taste your sauce before combining everything and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings. A pinch of red-pepper flakes can add a nice warmth without making it overly spicy.
Allow Baked Casserole to Rest: Letting the baked version sit for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about chicken spaghetti is how easy it is to customize!

Baked vs. Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti: The primary difference is the final step. Baking creates a slightly firmer casserole with a browned cheese topping, while the stovetop version is quicker and creamier. Both are delicious!
Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack adds extra meltiness, Pepper Jack for a little heat, Colby Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Velveeta is a classic ingredient in many Southern versions for its incredibly smooth, melty texture. You can substitute some or all of the shredded cheese with Velveeta, cubed.
Without Cream Soup: If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade creamy sauce. Start by making a roux (melt butter, whisk in flour, cook for a minute) then gradually-whisk in milk or chicken broth until thickened. Stir in your cheese and seasonings for a rich, homemade cheese sauce base.
Add Vegetables: Boost flavor and nutrition by adding other vegetables. Sauté sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, corn, or diced celery along with the onion and bell pepper. Spinach is also a great addition, wilting into the hot sauce.
Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: Increase the amount of Rotel, add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables, or stir in a pinch of cayenne-pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream soups, less cheese, or add more vegetables to bulk it up.
Gluten-Free Chicken Spaghetti: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti alternative. Ensure other ingredients (like canned soups) are also gluten-free if necessary.

Creamy chicken spaghetti being lifted with a serving spoon.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Chicken spaghetti is excellent for making ahead and storing!

Make Ahead: You can prepare-the sauce and cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight-containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to cook, combine everything, add cheese, and proceed with the stovetop or baking instructions. For the baked version, you can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking-time if baking from cold.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight-container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Chicken spaghetti casserole freezes well. Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic-wrap and then aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Oven: For larger portions or a whole casserole, cover-with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 mins, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the cheese topping again. Add a splash of milk or-broth if it seems dry.

What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken spaghetti is hearty-enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes:

A fresh green-salad with a light vinaigrette.
Garlic bread, crusty bread, or breadsticks for soaking up the sauce.
Steamed or roasted green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
Corn on the cob.
A simple tomato and cucumber salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is chicken spaghetti made of?

Classic chicken spaghetti is typically made with cooked chicken, spaghetti pasta, a creamy sauce often based on condensed cream soups (like cream of chicken and mushroom), cheese (usually cheddar), and sometimes diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel).

Can you use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and moisture while significantly cutting down on prep time.

Why is my chicken spaghetti dry?

This can happen if the pasta absorbs too much liquid, if there wasn’t enough sauce to begin with, or if it was overcooked, especially the baked version. Ensure you use the recommended amount of liquid (broth/soups) and don’t overcook the pasta initially. If reheating leftovers, you might need to add a splash of milk or broth.

Can I freeze leftover chicken spaghetti?

Yes, chicken spaghetti freezes very well, especially the baked casserole version. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap-tightly in freezer-safe packaging.

What’s the difference between chicken spaghetti and chicken tetrazzini?

While similar comfort food pasta bakes, chicken tetrazzini typically uses a more complex sauce base often involving butter, flour, chicken broth, cream, and sometimes sherry, and traditionally uses a different pasta shape like linguistic or fettuccine. Chicken spaghetti, especially the Southern version, is known for its simpler sauce often using condensed cream soups and includes cheese and often tomatoes/Rotel, using spaghetti pasta.

Ready to Make Comfort in a Dish?

There’s just something about chicken spaghetti that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of recipe that shows up at potlucks, brings neighbors together, and gets passed down through generations. With its creamy texture, cheesy layers, and cozy vibes, this baked chicken spaghetti might just become a staple in your household too.

Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments how you made it your own!

Did You Make This Recipe!

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.