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Home » Recipes

Chicken Spaghetti

This homemade chicken spaghetti has a bubbly golden-brown cheesy crust! The chicken is soft and tender, while the spaghetti adds texture and substance. This family-friendly dinner is great for any night of the week. It is healthier comfort food. Make this on Sunday nights for Sunday dinner, meal prep for the week, and leftovers. Everyone loves this savory baked spaghetti with chicken!

Try these Chicken Breast Recipes for more easy, healthy dinner ideas.

Chicken spaghetti.

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For other hearty pasta recipes, check out this tasty chicken Cajun pasta with a little kick or this Buffalo chicken pasta. This simple pasta with peas and ham is great for kids.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Chicken spaghetti is a classic comfort food that feels familiar.
  • It is one of those homey childhood favorites that everyone enjoys.
  • This is a versatile recipe.  Add or adjust ingredients such as vegetables, spices, and cheeses.
  • Use leftovers to make this chicken spaghetti recipe. It is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or veggies.
  • The combination of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted cheese creates a creamy and cheesy sauce that coats the spaghetti noodles and chicken. The result is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
  • This is the perfect hearty family dinner. Everyone will love this cheesy, bubbly chicken casserole dish. 
  • Chicken spaghetti is easy and quick to prepare. This makes it great for a busy weeknight dinner.
  • This a great option to make in advance.
  • Pop it in the oven when a crowd is coming over. Sit back and enjoy time with guests while it heats up in the oven. It is a real crowd-pleaser.
  • This rich and nourishing chicken paSta dish is filling and satisfying. It is the ideal cozy winter dish when it is chilly outside. 
  • Add different veggies, seasonings, and flavors for endless variations.
  • This chicken spaghetti is an excellent foundation to build with additional ingredients.
  • It can be easily made gluten-free with gluten-free noodles.
  • Check out this Spaghetti Casserole or this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for another comfort food favorite!

Ingredients & Substitutes

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full chicken spaghetti recipe.

Traditional spaghetti noodles or whole wheat spaghetti noodles are used as the base of the dish. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. 

Cooked chicken breasts or thighs are great in this recipe. Use pre-cooked chicken for a convenient option. Turkey is a great alternative to chicken in this recipe.

Cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy and rich flavor. It provides a savory base for the sauce. Look for one with few ingredients and no added sugar. If needed, replace this with another can of cream of chicken soup.

Cream of chicken soup also adds a ton of flavor and creaminess!

Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce. Mixed with a bit of lemon juice, regular cream is a great substitute. Cream cheese thinned out with a little milk will work, too. 

Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish. It is a good way to keep the chicken spaghetti moist. Homemade or good quality store-bought broth are both great.

Use fresh onion if possible.

Bell pepper is a great way to add texture and enhance the color of the dish. 

Slice or chop celery for a subtle crunch and a hint of herbal flavor. 

Fresh garlic brings a spicy and savory taste to the dish. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute. 

Add a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, to infuse the dish with an aromatic note. 

Paprika adds a depth of flavor and color. 

Use shredded cheddar cheese. Other cheeses like mozzarella are great, too.

Add fresh parsley for a pop of bright color and herby goodness.

Ingredients for chicken spaghetti.

Taste & Texture

Chicken spaghetti is an easy-going casserole. Tender and creamy, this chicken dish has a comforting, warming texture. Thanks to the crusty cheese sprinkled on top, it has a little golden topping. 

This casserole boasts all the umami-richness of chicken, veggies, broth, and bubbly cheese. The sour cream adds a little tangy element to the whole dish. The casserole is topped off with a fresh burst of herby flavor from the parsley.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooked spaghetti in pan.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, broth, diced onion, diced bell pepper, diced celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix together.

Chicken and chopped veggies in bowl.
Creamy veggie mixture.

Step 4

Add the cooked noodles to the chicken mixture. Add in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.

Spaghetti with shredded cheese.
Creamy pasta with chicken.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to the greased baking pan. Spread into an even layer.

Chicken spaghetti in casserole dish.

Step 6

Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.

Cheese on top of casserole.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Cheesy baked chicken dish.

Step 8

Finally, remove it from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve!

Expert Tips for Success

Cook it for just the right amount of time. Cooking it too long will result in a dry dish. The baked chicken casserole should be moist and juicy.

Taste before baking the dish. The sauce needs to be beautifully seasoned and made with enough salt. Tasting it before adding it to the baking dish is a great checkpoint. 

Let the dish rest before serving and portioning it. This will allow the flavors to mix together.

Cook the pasta until al dente. It should have a little bite to it still.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Southwest style: Add a Tex-Mex twist by adding ingredients like diced green chilies, black beans, and corn. Use spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Top it off with some shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

Cajun-inspired: Infuse the chicken spaghetti with Cajun flavors by adding sliced andouille sausage, diced bell peppers, celery, and onions. Season the dish with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. 

Mediterranean: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, zucchini, squash, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. Season it with dried oregano, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a vibrant and tangy flavor profile.

Creamy pesto: Mix in a few tablespoons of basil pesto sauce into the creamy base. Use parmesan on the top instead of cheddar. 

Lemony: Brighten this recipe by adding lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme. 

Smoky bacon: Elevate the flavors by adding crispy cooked bacon bits to the dish. 

Alfredo style: Add a homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of the cream of mushroom soup. Enhance the flavors with sautéed garlic.

Angel hair with creamy sauce.

How to Serve & Store

Chicken spaghetti goes beautifully with a light, bright salad. It is a rich dish so a refreshing side salad is key. This fall salad guide has a bunch of ideas for salads to serve with this pasta bake.

It will keep for about 4 days in the refrigerator. Place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

For another creamy pasta dish, make this homemade Chicken Broccoli Alfredo!

To thaw frozen chicken spaghetti, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Reheat as mentioned above or make it into this Fried Spaghetti!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is chicken spaghetti made of? 

Chicken spaghetti is typically made with cooked chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy sauce. Additional ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and garlic can be added for flavor and texture.

What is the difference between chicken spaghetti and chicken Tetrazzini? 

Chicken spaghetti typically uses spaghetti, chicken and a creamy sauce. Chicken Tetrazzini uses wider pasta noodles like fettuccine or linguine. It has a creamy sauce made with a combination of broth, cream, and sometimes white wine. Tetrazzini also often includes ingredients like mushrooms, peas, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Where did chicken spaghetti originate? 

Chicken spaghetti is believed to have originated in the Southern region of the United States.

Does chicken go well with pasta? 

Yes, chicken pairs well with pasta. Chicken is a versatile protein that complements various pasta dishes. It adds flavor, texture, and protein to the dish. 

Can you make chicken spaghetti in the slow cooker? 

Yes, chicken spaghetti can be made in a slow cooker. To do so, you would typically combine cooked chicken, uncooked spaghetti noodles, sauce ingredients, and any additional vegetables or seasonings in the slow cooker. 

Fork with pasta.

You May Also Enjoy

  • Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
  • Easy Spaghetti
  • Weeknight Tomato Basil Pasta
  • Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
  • Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.

Chicken spaghetti.

Chicken Spaghetti

This chicken spaghetti is the perfect family dinner recipe! It is hearty, savory, comforting, creamy, and flavorful. This cozy dinner is great for kids and adults. Make it for Sunday dinners, weeknight meals, meal prep, and leftovers!
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 35 minutes mins
Total Time: 45 minutes mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Method: Too Easy
Diet: Picky Eaters
Print Recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces spaghetti noodles (whole wheat or regular)
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
  • 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced pepper
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • fresh parsley (to garnish)

Instructions
 

  • First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan and set aside.
  • Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, broth, diced onion, diced bell pepper, diced celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix together.
  • Add the cooked noodles to the chicken mixture. Add in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to the greased baking pan. Spread into an even layer.
  • Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
  • Finally, remove it from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve!

Notes

  • For real food guidelines, use whole wheat noodles.
  • The cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup linked in the recipe post are the cleanest ones on Amazon.
  • If you or your kids do not like mushrooms, replace with another cream of chicken soup.
  • Bake until the casserole is bubbly and cheesy.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Bake leftovers at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, or until warm.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Spaghetti
Amount Per Serving
Calories 530 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 14g88%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 102mg34%
Sodium 1308mg57%
Potassium 386mg11%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 829IU17%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 341mg34%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Enjoy this chicken spaghetti recipe!

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658 shares

Comments

  1. Katie says

    June 26, 2023 at 1:50 pm

    The recipe looks yummy, but I don't see a link for the clean Cream of Chicken and Mushrooms soup. Could you share those, please?

    Reply
    • Jill says

      June 26, 2023 at 2:28 pm

      Good question. I also don't think the suggestion of Velveeta belongs here!

      Reply
    • Addison LaBonte says

      June 26, 2023 at 3:09 pm

      Those links were just added to the recipe card!

      Reply
  2. Leora says

    June 26, 2023 at 8:04 am

    Hi where are the clean soup links for Amazon? Did I miss them??

    Reply
  3. Alicia Carmody says

    June 26, 2023 at 7:42 am

    Hi! I don't see a link to the cream soups on Amazon anywhere and I’m curious about the ingredients . Can you update? Thanks!

    Reply

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