Hey y'all! If you're dreaming of a warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting meal, this Chicken Spaghetti Bake is here to make dinner magic. With tender Chicken, flavorful spaghetti, and a gooey, golden cheese topping, it's a classic dish that's perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. Simple to make and loved by all ages, this oven-baked wonder is sure to earn you rave reviews at the dinner table. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Super creamy and cheesy with every delicious bite.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Uses simple pantry staples—no fancy ingredients necessary.
Customizable with your favorite veggies or cheese blends.
Kid-approved and a guaranteed family favorite!

Ingredients

12 oz dry spaghetti
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Prep and Cook the Spaghetti

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Saute the Veggies

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, 4-5 minutes.

Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cooked veggies, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, drained tomatoes with chilies, milk, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.

Assemble and Bake

Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce mixture until all the pasta is coated.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat soups and cheese.
Don’t overcook the spaghetti—it should be al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of crushed red pepper.
Veggie-Loaded: Stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Mexican-Style: Use pepper jack cheese and swap in taco seasoning for Italian seasoning.

Required Equipment

Large pot (for spaghetti)
Large skillet (for veggies)
Mixing bowl
9x13-inch baking dish
Cooking spoon or spatula
Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, cool completely, cover tightly with foil or a lid, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.

Suggested Pairings

Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pair with roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or buttery corn on the cob.
A crisp, lightly sweet white wine like Riesling or a sparkling water works great with this creamy bake.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Toss the spaghetti with a bit of olive oil before mixing to prevent sticking.
Grate your own cheese for ultra-creamy melt and better flavor.
Let the casserole rest before cutting—it'll set up and slice more neatly.

FAQ

Can I use any pasta besides spaghetti?

Absolutely! Penne, linguine, or rotini all work well in this bake—just adjust for similar cook times.

Is it possible to make Chicken Spaghetti Bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if straight from the fridge.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, drained canned chicken works in a pinch—though freshly cooked or roasted chicken adds the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8