Million Dollar Spaghetti with Chicken (Creamy Baked Casserole)

Million Dollar Spaghetti with chicken is the ultimate comfort food casserole that combines tender spaghetti, a creamy cheese filling, and juicy chicken in a bubbly baked dish. It’s a twist on the classic million dollar spaghetti recipe, swapping out beef and sausage for flavorful chicken that makes the meal just as hearty but slightly lighter.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you need a budget-friendly dinner that stretches to feed a crowd. The layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese create a meal that tastes like a cross between lasagna and baked ziti—only easier to make. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time or frozen for later, making it a reliable go-to recipe in any kitchen.

This recipe is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary or medical guidance

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

There are plenty of reasons why Million Dollar Spaghetti with chicken deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s more than just a pasta bake—it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that checks all the boxes:

• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy layers paired with tender chicken.
• Budget-Conscious: Simple, affordable ingredients stretch into a filling meal that can easily feed a family or a group.
• Flexible Protein Option: Using chicken makes it lighter than beef or sausage, but still hearty enough to satisfy.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate, or freeze a full pan for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Rich Flavor, Simple Method: Layers of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce give you lasagna-like taste without the fuss.

With all these benefits, this casserole truly tastes like a million bucks—without the million-dollar price tag.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Million Dollar Spaghetti with chicken, you’ll need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each layer brings its own flavor and texture, creating that signature “million dollar” richness.

Million Dollar Spaghetti with Chicken (Creamy Baked Casserole)

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Million Dollar Spaghetti with chicken is a creamy baked casserole layered with spaghetti, juicy chicken, and three cheeses—easy, comforting, and freezer-friendly.

• Author: Emily Parker
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

16 ounces spaghetti noodles

2–3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works)

24 ounces marinara sauce

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons butter

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta

2 cups shredded mozzarella

2/3 cup grated parmesan

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• 2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta) until smooth; set aside.
• 3. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente; drain, then toss with butter and 1/2 cup marinara.
• 4. In a skillet, sauté onion in a little oil until translucent; add garlic for 30 seconds.
• 5. Stir remaining marinara with the cooked chicken.
• 6. Layer half the spaghetti in the dish; spread cheese mixture; top with remaining spaghetti.
• 7. Spread chicken marinara over noodles; sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan.
• 8. Bake 30–40 minutes until bubbling and golden at edges. Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Make ahead: assemble up to 24 hours in advance; add ~10 minutes to bake time from cold.
• Freeze: wrap unbaked or baked (cooled) up to 3 months; thaw overnight; reheat covered, then uncover to brown.
• Variations: ground chicken or turkey; add spinach or mushrooms; use gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Chicken: About 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or poached chicken all work well. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer.
• Spaghetti Noodles: A 16-ounce box of classic spaghetti. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used for a healthier option.
• Butter: Tossed with hot pasta to prevent sticking and add richness.
• Marinara Sauce: One 24-ounce jar, or use your favorite homemade tomato sauce.
• Onion & Garlic: Fresh aromatics add depth to the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Softened for easy mixing.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the cheese layer.
• Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: Either option works; ricotta gives a smoother texture, while cottage cheese is lighter.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor that balances the creaminess.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.

Optional Add-Ins

• Fresh or frozen spinach for extra veggies
• Red pepper flakes for a little kick
• Mushrooms or zucchini for more texture

These ingredients come together in layers, giving you a casserole that’s creamy in the middle, saucy on top, and golden and bubbly out of the oven.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti with Chicken

This recipe comes together in layers, and the process is simple once you break it down. Here’s how to make your chicken version of Million Dollar Spaghetti:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
• If starting with raw chicken breasts or thighs, cook them by boiling, baking, or pan-searing until fully cooked, then shred or dice.
• You’ll need about 2–3 cups of cooked chicken.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

• In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta).
• Stir until smooth and well blended. This will form the rich, creamy middle layer.

3. Cook the Spaghetti Noodles

• Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm, since it will continue baking in the oven).
• Drain, then toss the hot pasta with butter and a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce to keep it flavorful and prevent sticking.

4. Layer and Assemble the Casserole

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread half of the spaghetti noodles on the bottom.
• Smooth the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
• Add the remaining noodles on top.
• Mix the cooked chicken into the remaining marinara sauce, then spread this saucy chicken layer evenly over the pasta.

5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan generously on top.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is golden around the edges.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set up and makes cleaner slices.

The result? A bubbling, golden casserole with layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and saucy pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

One of the best parts about Million Dollar Spaghetti with chicken is how well it works for meal prep. Whether you’re cooking ahead for a busy weeknight or stocking your freezer, this casserole keeps its flavor and texture beautifully.

Make Ahead

• Assemble in Advance: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to cook, remove from the fridge, uncover, and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time since it starts cold.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions

• To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly with foil (grease the underside to prevent sticking), and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Freeze Baked: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake covered at 350°F for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

This flexibility makes the dish a lifesaver for busy families, potlucks, or even gifting a ready-made meal to a friend.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Million Dollar Spaghetti with chicken is already versatile, but you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Here are some easy swaps and variations to try:

Protein Swaps

• Ground Chicken or Turkey: Use cooked ground chicken or turkey for a texture closer to the traditional beef version.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and bulk up the sauce with mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.

Cheese Alternatives

• Ricotta Instead of Cottage Cheese: Ricotta gives a smoother, creamier texture.
• Lighter Cheese Layer: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to cut down on fat without losing creaminess.
• Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or fontina for a more decadent topping.

Pasta Options

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or penne.
• Whole Wheat or Protein Pasta: Boosts fiber and protein content while keeping the same hearty feel.
• Different Shapes: Try penne, rigatoni, or rotini if you prefer shorter pasta.

Flavor Boosts

• Stir in fresh spinach or kale for extra veggies.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
• Mix in a little pesto with the sauce for a herby twist.

These small adjustments make it easy to customize the dish to your taste—while keeping the creamy, baked goodness that makes it a million dollar meal.

What to Serve With Chicken Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti with chicken is rich, creamy, and filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it a complete and balanced meal. Here are some easy ideas:

Fresh Salads

• Classic Garden Salad: Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and Italian dressing keep things light.
• Caesar Salad: A crunchy, tangy side that balances the creaminess of the casserole.
• Fruit Salad: Fresh berries, melon, or citrus add a refreshing contrast.

Vegetables

• Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans: A quick sheet-pan veggie keeps dinner wholesome.
• Brussels Sprouts Salad: Shaved sprouts with lemon and parmesan bring brightness to the meal.
• Steamed Zucchini or Asparagus: Simple and healthy, with just a squeeze of lemon.

Breads

• Garlic Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls make the casserole feel even more comforting.
• Crusty Italian Bread: A rustic option that pairs beautifully with pasta dishes.

If you want more pasta inspiration, check out recipes like Dill Pickle Pasta Salad or Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad.

Craving easy, delicious recipes?
Stay inspired every day.
Follow us on Facebook for comforting classics, quick weeknight dinners, and mouthwatering favorites: Flavour Recipe Facebook
Find stunning food boards, smart meal prep tips, and family-approved dishes on Pinterest: Flavour Recipe Pinterest

Let’s make something delicious together.

FAQs About Million Dollar Spaghetti with Chicken