Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked spaghetti dish loaded with tender chicken and a rich, savory sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when I just want something warm and satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly baked cheesy topping. The combination of flavors from the Rotel tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and three kinds of cheese creates a dish that’s both rich and well-balanced. It’s also an easy way to use leftover chicken, making it a convenient option for busy nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz spaghetti
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well.
Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and add the shredded chicken, stirring until well coated.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Rotel tomatoes with green chilies for more heat.
Veggie Boost: Sometimes, I throw in mushrooms, spinach, or peas to add extra nutrients.
Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, I use cooked ground beef or turkey for a different twist.
Cheese Variety: I experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Gluten-Free: I swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free soup alternatives.
Storage and Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 325°F until heated through. If I freeze it, I wrap the casserole tightly with foil and store it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I bake it straight from frozen at 350°F, covered, for 45-50 minutes, then uncover it for the last 10 minutes.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! I assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, I let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?
If I don’t have Rotel tomatoes, I use regular diced tomatoes and add a bit of diced green chilies for spice.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! I sometimes use penne, fettuccine, or even rotini for a fun twist.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from getting mushy?
I make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente since it continues to cook in the oven.
Can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, I use reduced-fat cheese, low-fat soups, and whole-wheat pasta. I also add extra veggies to bulk it up without extra calories.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and satisfying flavors. It’s an easy, comforting dish that I love making for a cozy dinner or special gathering. Whether I stick to the classic recipe or try different variations, it always turns out delicious.
📖 Recipe:
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Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked pasta dish packed with tender chicken, Rotel tomatoes, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you crave something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in shredded chicken until fully coated.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing until evenly mixed.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Spicier Version: Add cayenne pepper or extra Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.
More Veggies: Try mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.
Protein Variations: Swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or sausage.
Different Cheeses: Use pepper jack for spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free soup alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
