Cozy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe For Family Dinners

Dinner just got a whole lot more delicious with this mouthwatering cheesy chicken spaghetti bake that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Melted cheese cascades over tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces, creating a comforting meal everyone will love.

The combination of creamy sauce and golden-brown cheese creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Simple ingredients come together to craft this hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Each forkful delivers a perfect blend of savory chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and rich, gooey cheese.

Weeknight meals never looked so good, and this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress with this crowd-pleasing classic that’s sure to earn rave reviews at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein foundation, choose boneless skinless breasts or grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and depth of flavor, opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.

• Velveeta Cheese: Melts smoothly for creamy texture, select pre-cubed for easier preparation.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, velvety consistency, room temperature helps blend effortlessly.
• Cream Soup: Creates silky base sauce, choose low-sodium condensed cream of chicken.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp flavor and golden topping, freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.

• Spaghetti: Hearty pasta base, cook al dente to prevent mushiness.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Introduces zesty kick and moisture, choose mild or hot version based on spice preference.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, bright garnish, slice thinly for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Brings subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground offers more robust flavor.

Tools for Making Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti a Breeze

• Large Saucepan: Essential for creating the creamy cheese sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: Perfect for draining the cooked spaghetti quickly and effectively.
• 13×9-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for baking the cheesy chicken spaghetti in the oven.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for chopping chicken and green onions.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Easy Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

• Chicken Preparation

Grab a rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken. Strip away the skin and bones, then chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.

• Pasta Foundations

Boil spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, letting it rest while you create the magic sauce.

• Creamy Cheese Fusion

In a large pan, blend chicken broth, melty cheese, cream cheese, and tangy tomatoes. Stir over gentle heat until the mixture transforms into a silky, luxurious sauce.

• Ingredient Symphony

Fold the cooked spaghetti and chicken into the dreamy cheese sauce. Ensure every strand gets coated with the rich, creamy goodness.

• Final Transformation

Choose your cooking adventure: Stovetop or Oven. For stovetop, simmer until heated through. For oven method, transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Top with extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

• Leftover Love

Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, splash a bit of broth to keep the dish moist and delicious. Can be frozen for future comfort food cravings.

Flavorful Twists for Chicken Spaghetti

• Replace chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or even canned tuna for a quick protein swap that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable to your pantry ingredients.
• Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne to introduce a zesty kick that transforms the creamy casserole into a more vibrant meal with subtle heat.
• Fold in roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli florets to increase nutritional value and create delightful texture variations that complement the cheesy base.
• Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or toasted sliced almonds on top before the final baking stage to introduce a satisfying crispy element that contrasts with the creamy spaghetti mixture.
• Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate – perfect for busy weeknights or when preparing meals for gatherings, ensuring maximum convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Chicken Spaghetti Bake the Right Way

• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a light green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Drizzle with a zesty ranch or Italian dressing to balance the rich, cheesy chicken spaghetti.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Slice a French baguette and spread with garlic butter. Toast until golden and crispy, creating the perfect crunchy companion to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Add Colorful Veggie Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. These bright green herbs will add a pop of freshness to the hearty pasta dish.
• Create a Family-Style Feast: Bring the entire casserole to the table and let everyone serve themselves. Pair with a simple side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Store and Prep Chicken Spaghetti Bake Ahead

• Store Smart: Transfer leftover Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake into sealed containers, ensuring a tight lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Cool the dish at room temperature for no more than 2 hours, then refrigerate within this window to keep bacteria growth at bay and preserve quality.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Mark the date and contents for easy tracking. Frozen spaghetti bake stays delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F for best texture, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works for quick reheating, but add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent rubbery pasta.

Gooey Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

This classic cheesy chicken spaghetti bake recipe combines comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that families will adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 chicken fillets, cooked and shredded (about 4 cups; rotisserie chicken recommended)
• 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti, cooked
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 can cream of mushroom and chicken soup
• 1 10-oz (283 g) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel)
• 1 lb (454 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp pepper
• ½ cup diced green onions

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Dice or shred chicken from tender fillets or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken after removing skin and bones.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil spaghetti in a large pot until perfectly al dente, then drain completely in a colander.
3. Sauce Creation: Combine chicken broth, Velveeta, cream cheese, condensed cream soup, Rotel tomatoes, and black pepper in a saucepan. Melt ingredients over medium heat, whisking until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
4. Mixing Components: Incorporate drained spaghetti and prepared chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring thorough coating of all ingredients.
5. Cooking Method: For stovetop, maintain medium-low heat until heated through. For oven method, transfer mixture to a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Baking and Finishing: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, optionally topping with shredded cheddar cheese and green onions during the final 10 minutes of baking.
7. Serving and Resting: Let casserole rest 5-7 minutes after removing from oven to set the sauce. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
8. Storage Guidelines: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Notes

• Chicken Selection Matters: Choose tender, high-quality chicken fillets or a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and ease of preparation.
• Pasta Perfection Tip: Cook spaghetti exactly al dente to prevent mushy texture and ensure the pasta holds its shape in the creamy sauce.
• Cheese Sauce Technique: Whisk ingredients slowly and continuously over medium heat to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
• Moisture Preservation Hack: When reheating leftovers, always add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1130 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 94 mg