Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (Simple & Creamy Comfort Food)

When you’re craving a cozy, family-style dinner, nothing beats a chicken spaghetti casserole. This classic baked dish combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s pure comfort in every bite. Best of all, it’s simple to make with pantry staples and can easily feed a crowd. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or looking for a freezer-friendly meal, this chicken spaghetti casserole delivers warm, satisfying flavors that everyone at the table will love.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dietary or medical advice.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

There’s a reason this casserole is a dinnertime favorite. It’s not just easy to prepare — it checks all the boxes for a satisfying, family-friendly meal.

• Quick and convenient: Uses simple ingredients like spaghetti, chicken, and canned soup.
• Budget-friendly: A great way to stretch leftover chicken into a hearty meal.
• Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked for cozy evenings.
• Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or Sunday dinners.
• Customizable: Swap in different cheeses, add more veggies, or adjust spice levels to match your family’s taste.

This dish delivers the best of both worlds — a rich, homemade flavor with the convenience of a one-pan bake. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a repeat recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a delicious chicken spaghetti casserole doesn’t require anything fancy. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge, which makes this recipe even more approachable.

Pasta

• Spaghetti is the traditional choice, but you can also use linguine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just remember to cook it al dente so it holds up during baking.

Chicken

• Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option for quick prep.
• Leftover roasted chicken, diced chicken breast, or shredded thighs all work well. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked chicken.

Cream Base

• Classic recipes call for condensed cream of chicken soup, which creates that creamy texture.
• For a homemade alternative, you can substitute a roux made with chicken broth and milk.

Vegetables

• Bell peppers (red and green) add a mild sweetness and color.
• A small amount of finely diced onion enhances flavor without overpowering.

Cheese

• Sharp cheddar is the go-to for a rich, tangy taste.
• For a milder option, try Monterey Jack or Colby.
• Always shred from a block for the creamiest melt.

Seasonings

• Seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper give the dish depth.
• Adjust the spice level to your family’s preference.

These simple ingredients come together to make a cheesy, creamy casserole that tastes like it took hours — when in reality, you can have it ready in under an hour.

Traditional spaghetti works best here, but if you’re in the mood for something different, you might love our White Spaghetti Bolognese for a creamy alternative

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. Once your pasta and chicken are ready, it’s simply a matter of mixing, layering, and baking.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Break spaghetti noodles in half for easier mixing and serving.
• Cook until al dente — slightly firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta doesn’t get mushy during baking.
• Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cooked spaghetti
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Diced bell peppers and onion
  • Chicken broth
  • Seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups of shredded cheese
• Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
• Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

• Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.
• Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and turn golden.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Texture

• Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly underdone pasta ensures a firm bite after baking.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Season your pasta water: Salted water enhances flavor throughout the dish.
• Grease the baking dish: Prevents sticking and keeps serving neat.

Best Chicken Options for Your Casserole

One of the best things about a chicken spaghetti casserole is how flexible it is when it comes to the protein. You don’t need to stick to one type of chicken — just use what you have on hand.

• Rotisserie Chicken (Quick & Flavorful): The easiest option. Simply shred the meat for tender, juicy bites.
• Cooked Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Dice or shred after baking, grilling, or pan-searing. About 3 cups is perfect.
• Leftover Chicken: Great way to repurpose last night’s roast or baked chicken.
• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: A time-saver if you prefer freshly cooked chicken with lots of flavor.

Tip: Dark meat (thighs or leg meat) stays juicier in casseroles, while breast meat offers a leaner option.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

A warm, creamy chicken spaghetti casserole is a meal in itself, but the right side dishes can take it to the next level. Here are a few easy pairings:

• Fresh Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette provides a light contrast to the casserole’s creamy richness
• Garlic Bread or Soft Rolls: Ideal for dipping and savoring every bit of the casserole’s velvety sauce
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or carrots add color and extra nutrition.
• Soup and Casserole Combo: Pair with a simple tomato or vegetable soup for a cozy dinner spread.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side that adds a hint of sweetness.

From weeknight dinners to potluck gatherings, these pairings round out the dish and turn it into a truly comforting, well-balanced meal.

If you enjoy bold flavors, pair this casserole with a side of Green Spaghetti for a colorful and tasty dinner spread

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

One of the best parts about chicken spaghetti casserole is that it keeps beautifully for later meals. Here’s how to make the most of leftovers:

Refrigeration

• Store cooled casserole in an airtight container.
• Keeps fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Assemble the casserole but stop before baking.
• Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

• Oven (best method): Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes). This keeps the cheese bubbly without drying it out.
• Microwave (fastest): Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.

Tip: If reheating from frozen, allow extra baking time and remove foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about a chicken spaghetti casserole is how versatile it can be. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

• Spicy Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning, diced jalapeños, or a can of Rotel tomatoes for a little heat and Southwestern flair.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a few ounces of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a richer, silkier sauce.
• Veggie-Loaded: Boost nutrition by adding mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli florets.
• Kid-Friendly: Use mild cheeses, leave out the peppers, and cut back on spice for a version little ones will love.
• Lighter Option: Swap condensed soup with homemade sauce made from chicken broth, milk, and a touch of flour to cut down on sodium and processed ingredients.

With these easy tweaks, you can make this casserole new again each time you prepare it.

For a lighter twist, you could even swap the pasta for a veggie-based option like this Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though a chicken spaghetti casserole is simple to make, a few common missteps can affect the final result. Keep these in mind for the best outcome every time:

• Overcooking the Pasta: If the spaghetti is too soft before baking, it will turn mushy. Always stop at al dente.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth, creamy melting. Shred your own for the best texture.
• Too Much Liquid: Adding extra broth or soup can make the casserole watery instead of creamy. Stick to the recipe ratios.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to salt your pasta water and season the mixture well — this dish shines when every layer has flavor.
• Not Resting Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking allows the sauce to set, making it easier to serve neatly.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll end up with a casserole that’s perfectly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying every time.

Conclusion

A chicken spaghetti casserole is one of those timeless recipes that brings comfort to the table with every bite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to please the whole family, yet simple enough for even the busiest weeknights. With easy substitutions, make-ahead options, and freezer-friendly storage, this dish is as practical as it is delicious.

Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or freezing it for later, this casserole is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a classic comfort food that never goes out of style.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dietary or medical advice.

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Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (Simple & Creamy Comfort Food)

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This chicken spaghetti casserole is creamy, cheesy, and weeknight-friendly—tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a golden top in under an hour.

• Author: Emily Parker
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound thin spaghetti (broken in half)

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced

1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced

1/2 small onion, finely minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon seasoned salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta)

Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing dish)

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Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente; drain and toss with olive oil.

2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, condensed soup, peppers, onion, broth, seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne, and 2 cups cheese.

3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; spread the mixture evenly and top with remaining cheese.

4. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes; uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown.

5. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slightly undercook pasta to keep the casserole from getting mushy.

Shred cheese from a block for the smoothest melt.

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze (tightly wrapped) up to 3 months.