Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Family

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole that promises to satisfy every hungry soul at the dinner table.

Packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings warmth and flavor to your evening meal.

The casserole combines simple ingredients into a mouthwatering symphony of taste and texture.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this hearty and delicious recipe that everyone will love.

Each bite delivers a rich, cheesy embrace that feels like a culinary hug.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to dig into this irresistible comfort classic.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this casserole becomes a staple in your home cooking collection.

Why Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Works

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty casserole that satisfies everyone's taste buds with its rich, creamy texture and delicious blend of chicken and cheese.
• Minimal Prep Perfection: Whip up this dish with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it ideal for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this spaghetti casserole appeals to both kids and adults, turning dinnertime into a stress-free, enjoyable experience.
• One-Dish Dish: Simplifies mealtime by combining protein, pasta, and vegetables in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You Need for Chicken Spaghetti Bake

• Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that makes this casserole hearty.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that provides a satisfying base for the dish.

• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild and melty cheese that adds creamy richness.
• Sour Cream: Smooth ingredient that brings tangy creaminess.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Convenient sauce that adds depth and creaminess.

• Spinach: Nutritious green that adds color and subtle earthy flavor.

• Garlic: Fragrant ingredient that enhances overall flavor.

• French Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that provides delightful texture.

• Cooking Spray: Non-stick helper for easy casserole preparation.

How to Cook Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender.

Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Foundation

• Cooked chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Drained spinach
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Minced garlic
• Half of the crispy French Fried Onions

Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and well-blended.

Step 4: Merge Pasta and Goodness

Fold the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture.

Make sure every strand gets coated with the scrumptious sauce.

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Add the Crowning Glory

Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the top.

Scatter the rest of the French Fried Onions for that perfect crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Dish out this creamy, cheesy masterpiece and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Tips for a Creamy, Cheesy Pasta Bake

• Cook spaghetti just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when baking the casserole.
• Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or canned tuna for variety and dietary preferences.
• Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting easier.
• Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor complexity.
• Prepare casserole in advance, cover tightly with foil, and freeze up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.

Keeping Your Spaghetti Casserole Tasty Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even heating and preserve the casserole's creamy texture.

What to Eat With Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the casserole's rich, creamy texture and complement its cheesy, savory profile.
• Serve Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy, comforting elements.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus seasoned with garlic and olive oil to add a fresh, nutritious counterpoint to the hearty main dish.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft spaghetti casserole.

Tasty Twists for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas and use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this casserole because of its cheesy texture and mild flavors. The combination of chicken, pasta, and crispy onions makes it appealing to children.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option that adds delicious flavor and makes preparation much easier. Simply shred the chicken and follow the recipe as instructed.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or additional spinach to boost the nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for more fiber and nutrients.

• What if I don't have French Fried Onions?

No problem! You can substitute with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or toasted panko for a similar crunchy topping. These alternatives will still provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy casserole.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables everywhere. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) container sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 2 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup

Pasta and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce / 14 grams dried spaghetti
• 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (6 ounces / 170 grams) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage for easy serving and cleaning.
2. Cook the spaghetti in rapidly boiling water until it reaches a tender yet firm al dente texture, carefully draining and setting aside to prevent overcooking.
3. Create the foundational mixture by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, nutrient-rich spinach, a generous portion of Monterey Jack cheese, aromatic minced garlic, and half of the crispy French Fried Onions in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate the cooked spaghetti into the prepared mixture, gently folding until each pasta strand is evenly coated with the creamy, savory ingredients.
5. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to ensure uniform distribution and consistent cooking.
6. Elegantly top the casserole with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese, creating a melty layer, and sprinkle the rest of the French Fried Onions for added crunch and visual appeal.
7. Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing it to bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the onion topping turns a golden, crispy brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the temperature to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and create a versatile meal option.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery and compromising the creamy texture.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 396
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 681 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 99 mg