The Creamiest Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Your Family Will Adore

When midnight cravings hit, this creamy chicken spaghetti becomes your ultimate comfort companion.

Cheese melts into golden rivers across tender pasta strands.

Weeknight cooking demands something special and satisfying.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish with pure joy.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating magic in one skillet.

Layers of flavor promise a meal you cannot resist.

Ready to experience pure culinary bliss with minimal effort?

FAQs

• What makes chicken spaghetti a comfort food?

This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and pasta into one satisfying meal that reminds people of home-cooked goodness and brings warmth to the dinner table.

• Is chicken spaghetti considered a budget-friendly meal?

Absolutely! With affordable ingredients like chicken, spaghetti, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese, this casserole can feed a large family without breaking the bank.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, while cheddar is traditional, you can substitute with monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor and make the dish your own.

• Do I need special cooking skills to make chicken spaghetti?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like boiling pasta, shredding chicken, and mixing ingredients, making it perfect for novice cooks.

Chicken Spaghetti That’s Creamy, Cheesy, and Weeknight-Perfect

• Quick Family Comfort Meal: Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Batch Cooking Champion: Prepare ahead and freeze for busy weeknights, giving you a delicious meal ready in minutes with minimal effort.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit different tastes, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilize affordable ingredients like chicken, pasta, and pantry staples to create a filling meal that won't break the bank.

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat Hearts Ingredient Set

• Whole Fryer Chicken: Tender meat providing rich flavor and protein for the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds richness.

• Green Pepper: Adds crunch and fresh vegetable flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Provides depth and aromatic base for the casserole.
• Diced Pimentos: Bright red peppers that offer mild sweetness and color.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients together.
• Seasoned Salt: Blend of herbs and spices for enhanced overall seasoning.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced flavor.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that absorbs flavors and provides hearty texture.

Classic Chicken Spaghetti Cooking Steps

Step 1: Shred the Succulent Chicken

Cook a whole chicken in a pot of water.

Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken and let it cool slightly.

Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, separating it from bones and skin.

You’ll want to end up with tender, juicy chicken pieces.

Step 2: Boil the Perfect Pasta

Use the flavorful chicken broth from cooking to boil your spaghetti.

Cook until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture – soft but with a slight bite.

Drain the spaghetti, reserving a small amount of broth for extra moisture.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Fusion

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

Stir everything together until the ingredients are beautifully blended and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Base

Transfer the mixed ingredients into a casserole dish.

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

Step 5: Bake or Preserve

Baking Option:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the casserole for 45 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil.

Freezing Option:

Wrap the casserole securely and freeze for up to 6 months.

Refrigeration Option:

Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking.

Scoop out generous portions and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Spaghetti Tips That Keep Chicken Creamy and Fork-Twirling

• Shred the chicken while still warm to retain its juiciness and prevent drying out during baking.
• Use the reserved chicken broth to cook spaghetti for an extra layer of rich, savory taste that enhances the entire dish.
• Shield the casserole with aluminum foil if the cheese browns too quickly, ensuring a perfectly melted, golden top without scorching.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your preferred heat intensity, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal taste.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and freeze up to 6 months, offering a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Reheat Chicken Spaghetti Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken spaghetti fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then bake covered at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and heated completely. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

Chicken Spaghetti Pairing Ideas

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to balance the rich, creamy texture of the chicken spaghetti, cutting through the cheese and complementing the subtle spices.
• Serve with Zesty Green Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, tangy contrast against the hearty casserole, adding lightness to the meal.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty french bread with garlic butter to soak up the creamy sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, helping to refresh the taste buds and cut through the richness of the dish.

Chicken Spaghetti with Comfort Food Add-Ons

• Gluten-Free Chicken Spaghetti: Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check all ingredient labels for gluten-free certification.
• 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.
• Dairy-Free Chicken Bake: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk-based cream of mushroom soup. Select plant-based protein options like almond-based cheese for creamy texture.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Chicken Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, swap green peppers for roasted poblano peppers. Include taco seasoning instead of regular salt. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with salsa on the side.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken spaghetti delivers comfort wrapped in creamy, cheesy goodness. Southern kitchen magic combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a family-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

Pasta and Vegetable Base:

• 3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained

Cheese and Sauce Components:

• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Poach the whole fryer chicken in water, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked through. Extract the meat from the bones and meticulously shred into bite-sized fragments.
2. Utilize the reserved chicken broth to cook spaghetti until perfectly tender. Carefully drain the pasta, preventing any residual moisture.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the spaghetti strands with the shredded chicken, velvety cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar cheese, verdant green pepper, aromatic onion, vibrant pimentos, and a harmonious blend of seasonings.
4. Gently transfer the creamy mixture into a generously sized baking dish, creating an even layer that promises delectable consistency.
5. Crown the casserole with an additional layer of grated cheddar, ensuring complete coverage for maximum cheesy indulgence.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the central location. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece, approximately 45 minutes.
7. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for several minutes, permitting the flavors to meld and settle. If planning to preserve, securely wrap and store in the refrigerator for two days or freeze for up to six months.
8. Serve warm, allowing each spoonful to showcase the harmonious blend of chicken, pasta, and creamy cheese.

Notes

• Choose free-range or organic chicken for richer flavor and better nutritional profile.
• Quickly shred chicken while it’s still warm to make the process easier and prevent meat from cooling and becoming tough.
• Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt content and customize seasoning to your preference.
• Swap regular spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary variations and added nutrition.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg