Name: Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped); 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe! Imagine fork-twirlable strands of spaghetti tossed in a creamy, savory sauce, studded with tender chicken and a lively kick from tomatoes with green chiles, all wrapped in layers of bubbling cheddar and mozzarella. This dish instantly transports you back to those cozy family dinners—simple, nostalgic, deeply satisfying, and exactly the kind of meal everyone craves at the end of a long day.

Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how each of these straightforward ingredients packs a punch in flavor and texture for this Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe. The best part? Most are pantry or fridge staples, each bringing something essential to the finished dish—be it creaminess, golden crisp, or a hint of fresh flavor.

Spaghetti (12 oz): The classic base—its long noodles soak up all that rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a luscious richness and helps sauté the aromatics to golden perfection.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to balance the creamy sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides those irresistible savory notes—don’t skip this!
Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): A great way to use up leftovers or a rotisserie chicken for super easy dinner prep.
Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): The key to creamy, cohesive casserole perfection.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 oz can, drained): For a pop of color, juicy bursts, and a gentle spicy kick.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Blends into the sauce for extra tang and silkiness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Because good seasoning matters!
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the overall aroma with that perfect herby blend.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into a sharp, gooey layer you’ll crave in every bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds stretch and extra cheesiness up top.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): For a final flourish of color and freshness.

How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Get Everything Preheated and Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick greasing. This keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Organize your workspace—once you start, this recipe comes together quickly!

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente. Remember, it’ll get more time in the oven, so don’t overcook now. Drain well and set aside—you want the noodles to absorb the sauce, not turn mushy.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in your diced onion and let it soften and turn translucent, stirring for about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. The rich aroma will tell you everything you need to know! Take the skillet off the heat—you don’t want to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Chicken Mixture

In a big mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, drained tomatoes with green chiles, sour cream, sautéed onions and garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a thorough mix until it’s well combined. Now, gently fold in your cooked spaghetti and half of the cheddar cheese, making sure every noodle is coated in the savory mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread this glorious tangle of cheesy, chicken-packed spaghetti evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella over the top to ensure maximum golden, bubbly coverage. Slide it into your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes—watch for the edges to bubble and the top to turn irresistibly golden.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Once your Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe is piping hot and beautifully browned, pull it out and finish with a light sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley. Let it sit for a few minutes (if you can wait!) to set before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your hot casserole with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for fresh contrast and a pop of color. You can also scatter on sliced green onions or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a kick. The play of melty cheese and fresh herbs is pure magic!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty, but a simple side salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect pairing. Warm garlic bread or buttery rolls are classic companions as well—they’ll help mop up every drop of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want to make lunchboxes fun, try portioning the Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe into ramekins before baking. Individual servings make for easy plating and a personal touch. Or, pile up spoonfuls in wide pasta bowls and finish with extra cheese at the table—no one will object!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe is a true gift since the flavors deepen overnight! Simply scoop any remaining casserole into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The dish stays creamy and reheats like a dream.

Freezing

You’ll be thrilled to know this casserole freezes beautifully. Once it’s completely cooled, wrap your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive that melty, gooey goodness, reheat portions in the microwave loosely covered until hot, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 25 minutes. Add a sprinkle more cheese before warming for a fresh cheesy layer!

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or linguine all work well, though spaghetti gives that classic comforting texture. Just cook any pasta you choose until it’s just al dente.

What kind of chicken works best in this casserole?

Both shredded rotisserie chicken and leftover roast chicken are excellent for the Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe. The key is to keep it moist and bite-sized so it melds seamlessly into the dish.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Stirring in chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms is a wonderful way to sneak in extra veggies and flavor. You can also toss in frozen peas or small bits of broccoli for a colorful twist.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free spaghetti and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Double-check the other packaged ingredients to ensure they’re labelled gluten-free.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed—just allow a few extra minutes if it goes in cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe is the ultimate in weeknight comfort, brimming with creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and heartwarming flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving something cozy, don’t hesitate to give it a try—your dinner table will thank you!

Cheesy Spaghetti Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and comforting cheesy spaghetti chicken casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Chicken Mixture:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese Toppings:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven and cook spaghetti: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet, sauté onion in butter until soft, then add garlic.
Prepare chicken mixture: Combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, tomatoes, sour cream, sautéed onion and garlic, seasonings, and 1 cup cheddar cheese with spaghetti.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheeses, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.