Sizzling Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful chicken spaghetti that promises a culinary adventure.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in every single bite.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can create magic on a dinner plate.

Classic Southern charm infuses each twirl of pasta with nostalgic warmth.

Weeknight meals never looked so appealing and satisfying.

Unexpected spices and tender chicken chunks guarantee smiles around the table.

Dive into this recipe and watch dinner become an instant celebration of deliciousness.

Chicken Spaghetti Pairings

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken spaghetti, balancing its creamy texture with bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Crisp Salad: Prepare a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a fresh, tangy contrast against the warm, hearty casserole.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted french bread with garlic butter offers a crunchy side that perfectly soaks up the creamy sauce and adds textural variety.
• Match with Chilled Beer: A cold, light american lager helps cleanse the palate between bites and complements the dish's comforting, hearty flavors.

Rose Pistachio Gelato with Delicate Touches

• Gluten-Free Chicken Spaghetti: Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Version: Substitute cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Use coconut milk-based cream of mushroom soup for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Chicken Casserole: Swap spaghetti with cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash. Reduce cheese quantity and use full-fat cream cheese for added richness. Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for volume.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap regular salt for chili-lime seasoning. Include black beans and use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

FAQs

• Is chicken spaghetti a Southern dish?

Yes, chicken spaghetti is a classic comfort food originating from the Southern United States, particularly popular in Texas and Louisiana. It’s a beloved casserole that combines simple ingredients into a hearty, cheesy meal.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative. Simply shred about 2 cups of store-bought rotisserie chicken to replace the homemade chicken in the recipe.

• What makes this chicken spaghetti different from other pasta dishes?

The combination of cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and subtle spices like cayenne pepper gives this dish its unique, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor that sets it apart from traditional pasta recipes.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional value. You can also use low-fat cheese and cream of mushroom soup to make it a bit lighter.

Chicken Spaghetti That’s Creamy and Family-Friendly

• Comfort Cooking Champion: Whip up this classic chicken spaghetti casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal everyone will adore.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Easily combine shredded chicken, pasta, and pantry staples in one bowl, creating a delicious dish with minimal kitchen effort.
• Flexible Meal Solution: Perfect for make-ahead dinners, potlucks, or busy weeknights, this recipe allows freezing or refrigerating without losing taste or quality.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, creamy texture and mild spices that make this casserole universally appealing and satisfying.

Chicken Spaghetti Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that provides the primary protein base for the casserole, preferably using a whole fryer chicken for best flavor.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that serves as the main carbohydrate component, cooked in reserved chicken broth for extra depth.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the casserole.

• Green Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and aromatic base to the dish, adding complexity and nutrition.
• Pimentos: Mild, sweet red peppers that contribute color and subtle sweetness.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binding ingredient that helps hold the casserole together and adds rich, savory notes.
• Seasoned Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that enhances overall flavor profile, allowing for customizable heat and seasoning.

• Foil: Useful for covering casserole if cheese browns too quickly during baking.

Stovetop Instructions for Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare Tender Chicken

Simmer a whole chicken in water until fully cooked.

Carefully shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces, ensuring you have plenty of tender chicken for your dish.

Step 2: Transform Pasta to Perfection

Use the flavorful chicken broth to cook spaghetti.

Aim for that classic al dente texture – soft yet with a gentle bite.

Drain the pasta carefully, preserving its perfect consistency.

Step 3: Create Magical Mixture

• Cooked spaghetti
• Shredded chicken
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cheddar cheese
• Chopped green pepper
• Diced onion
• Pimentos
• Seasoned salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper

Stir with enthusiasm until every ingredient is beautifully incorporated.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole Masterpiece

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of additional cheddar cheese on top, creating a golden, cheesy crown.

Step 5: Bake or Preserve

Baking Option:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake until the casserole bubbles with excitement and cheese turns gloriously golden.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

Freezing Option:

Seal the casserole and freeze for future comfort food cravings (up to 6 months).

Refrigeration Option:

Store covered in the refrigerator for a quick meal within two days.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Allow the casserole to rest briefly after baking.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of your homemade chicken spaghetti.

Spaghetti Tips to Keep Your Chicken Cheesy and Satisfying

Cook spaghetti just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and avoid mushy results when baking the casserole.

Sauté onions and green peppers before mixing to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a richer taste profile.

Sprinkle cheese in two layers – some mixed into the casserole and some on top – for maximum cheesy goodness and beautiful golden brown finish.

Swap cream of mushroom soup with low-sodium or homemade version for healthier alternative, and use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Make the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate up to two days, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal preparation.

Store Chicken Spaghetti Again

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken spaghetti will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.
• Move from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, covering with foil if cheese browns too quickly.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade chicken spaghetti brings comfort from grandma’s kitchen to modern tables with cheesy, creamy goodness. Southern warmth fills each hearty bite, inviting you to savor a classic comfort meal that connects generations through simple, delicious ingredients.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups mixed in, 1 cup for topping)

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups reserved chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Poach the whole chicken in water, creating a flavorful broth. Extract and meticulously shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized fragments.
2. Utilize the aromatic chicken broth to cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, ensuring each strand maintains a slight resistance when bitten. Carefully drain the pasta, preserving its texture.
3. In a generously sized mixing vessel, amalgamate the tender spaghetti with the succulent shredded chicken, velvety cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, crisp green bell pepper, pungent onion, vibrant pimentos, and a harmonious blend of seasonings.
4. Strategically transfer the creamy mixture into a spacious casserole dish, creating an even layer that promises delectable bites throughout. Lavishly crown the surface with an additional layer of grated cheddar cheese.
5. For immediate indulgence, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole until it bubbles with enthusiasm and the cheese transforms into a golden, molten blanket. Should the cheese begin to darken prematurely, gently drape aluminum foil over the dish.
6. For future enjoyment, seal the casserole securely and store in the freezer for up to half a year, or refrigerate for a couple of days, preserving its delectable potential.
7. After baking, allow the casserole a brief moment to settle, then serve and savor the comforting, cheesy creation.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for deeper, richer taste.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like rotisserie chicken, turkey, or shredded jackfruit for vegetarian version.
• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – start with less and add gradually to suit personal heat preference.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg