Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles coated in a creamy sauce loaded with shredded rotisserie chicken, melted cheese, and a hint of spice from ROTEL tomatoes. This dish combines ease, flavor, and heartiness, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families or a cozy dinner with friends. In less than an hour, you can have a cheesy, rich, and satisfying dish that tastes like it took all day to prepare, but with far less effort.
Why We Love This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
There are so many reasons Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti has earned its place as a weeknight favorite. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves you time while still giving the dish a homemade feel. You don’t have to worry about long hours of prep or complicated steps; everything comes together in one pot and one baking dish.
Second, it’s customizable to suit your taste. You can adjust the level of spice, use your favorite cheese blend, or even swap the pasta for a whole wheat or gluten-free version. The dish is creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the sour cream, which makes it irresistible.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for leftovers. It reheats beautifully and even freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. You can enjoy a comforting meal now and save some for later, knowing it will taste just as good as the day it was made. Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a classic combination of ingredients that always pleases the crowd, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
To make this dish, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and creamy spaghetti casserole.
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti pasta (about 3/4 of a box)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10 ounces each, undiluted – do not add water)
- 1 can ROTEL tomatoes (10 ounces, undrained)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Making Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is straightforward and perfect for even novice cooks. Here’s how to prepare it step by step so you end up with a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked casserole.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your spaghetti doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easy.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for a moment while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the creamy sauce in the pot where you cooked the pasta. Add the cream of chicken soups, ROTEL with juices, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine pasta and chicken by folding in the cooked spaghetti and shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce. Make sure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated so every bite is flavorful.
- Transfer to the baking dish and pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly, making sure the pasta is covered with the creamy sauce.
- Add the topping by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Cover the dish with nonstick aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and form a slightly golden top.
- Garnish and serve by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. This adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
With these steps, you’ll have a delicious, family-friendly meal that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Serving Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is simple, and there are a few ways to make it feel extra special. First, serve it directly from the baking dish while it’s hot and bubbly. You can portion it onto individual plates or let everyone serve themselves family-style.
Consider pairing it with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works perfectly. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are also excellent choices to scoop up any leftover sauce.
You can also serve this casserole with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots to add color and nutrition to your meal. For a fun twist, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese or a few red pepper flakes on top just before serving to make it look even more inviting.
Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
To make your Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti truly stand out, follow these expert tips:
- Don’t overcook your pasta. Al dente spaghetti holds its shape well in the casserole and prevents a mushy texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, but feel free to use leftover cooked chicken if you have it.
- Adjust the spice by adding more or less ROTEL or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Cheese matters. Using a Mexican cheese blend adds a combination of flavors and melts beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents if possible, as it melts better when freshly shredded.
- Layer flavors by seasoning the sauce well. Garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of crushed red pepper make a noticeable difference in depth of flavor.
- Make it ahead. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate or freeze. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- Presentation counts. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
How to Store Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Storing Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is easy, and it keeps well for future meals. You have a couple of options depending on whether you want to refrigerate or freeze it.
- Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly.
- Freezer: If you want to make it ahead, assemble the casserole but do not bake or top with cheese. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheese on top, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Proper storage ensures you always have a comforting, cheesy meal ready to enjoy without extra work.
Variations of Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Add vegetables: Mix in cooked bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Change the cheese: Try different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella to create unique flavors.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or more crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Make it lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use reduced-fat cheese to cut calories while keeping the creaminess.
- Alternative pasta: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even vegetable-based noodles for different textures and dietary needs.
These variations allow you to make the dish your own while keeping it comforting and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and use them in the casserole. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient shortcut.
Can I make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble it ahead, refrigerate, or freeze it. Bake when ready to serve for a quick, convenient meal.
What if I don’t have ROTEL?
You can substitute with diced tomatoes and green chilies or just use diced tomatoes and a pinch of cayenne pepper for similar flavor.
Can I make it spicier or milder?
Yes. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes or ROTEL to control the heat.
How long does leftover Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti last?
In the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to 3 months if properly wrapped.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Definitely. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni can work if you prefer a different texture or shape.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, most kids love the creamy, cheesy flavor. You can reduce the spice for younger children.
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz dry spaghetti pasta about 3/4 of a box
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup 10 ounces each, undiluted
- 1 can ROTEL tomatoes 10 ounces, undrained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, combine cream of chicken soups, ROTEL, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked spaghetti and shredded rotisserie chicken until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Cover with nonstick aluminum foil.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
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