When I stumbled onto Chicken Spaghetti, it was one of those “aha!” kitchen moments that just felt too good not to share. I remember it like it was yesterday—scrambling to pull together dinner after a long day, wanting something cozy, creamy, and totally satisfying. That’s when I found a simple, cheesy Chicken Spaghetti recipe, and friend, it instantly became a kitchen hero for me. It’s easy, comforting, and hits all the right notes with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, pasta, and that dreamy creamy sauce. It checks every box for me—a perfect balance of simple ingredients and big flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Chicken Spaghetti became my go-to anytime dinner because it’s one of those dishes where you can whip it up without fuss and still wow your people. Plus, it’s versatile enough to play with—sometimes baked for that irresistible casserole crust, sometimes extra cheesy and gooey, or jazzed up with a little spice. This easy chicken spaghetti recipe fits right into my everyday foodie life because it’s approachable but never boring. Trust me when I say it’s one of those recipes that can turn a simple weeknight into something you’d actually look forward to.
I love how this dish brings joy by being both nostalgic and fresh. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or just a midweek pick-me-up, Chicken Spaghetti always delivers that cozy satisfaction. The moment you cut into a warm baked chicken spaghetti casserole or twirl the creamy chicken spaghetti pasta onto your fork, you realize good food really is that simple—love, flavor, and a splash of cheese. So buckle up, fellow foodies! I can’t wait to share every step of my favorite Chicken Spaghetti recipe and all the tips that make it an everyday champion.
What You’ll Need:
This Chicken Spaghetti keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (can swap cream of chicken or celery)
- 1 cup sour cream (for that creamy touch!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup diced green bell peppers (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for a little kick
Out of green bell peppers? No problem, use green chilies or mild jalapeños for a different zing in this Chicken Spaghetti. You can grab these ingredients at any regular grocery store, and the best part is this recipe is kind to your wallet because it leans on pantry staples and leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie bird.
A quick prep tip: chop your veggies while the pasta is boiling to save time. If you have leftovers, this Chicken Spaghetti stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze portions for easy future meals—I always keep extra in the freezer for those “I don’t want to cook” days.
Here’s my secret little upgrade that takes this Chicken Spaghetti from good to “wow”: a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top before baking. It melts into a bubbly, cheesy crust that makes every bite extra comforting and gooey.

Let’s Cook This Together:
This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is an easy crowd-pleaser that comes together in about 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy cooks who want something delicious without fuss.
- Boil the spaghetti: Get a large pot of salted water boiling and cook your spaghetti until it’s just shy of al dente (about 7 minutes). You don’t want it all the way because it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Prep the chicken and veggies: While pasta cooks, dice your onion and bell peppers. Shred your cooked chicken if you haven’t already. This multitasking keeps things moving in the kitchen.
- Mix the creamy sauce: In a big bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. I learned early on that the creaminess is key to tender cheesy Chicken Spaghetti pasta—and it tastes even better when it’s homemade rather than just canned soup.
- Add the fun stuff: Stir in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, bell peppers, and onions. If you like a little heat, toss in those red pepper flakes here.
- Combine spaghetti and sauce: Pour your cooked spaghetti into the sauce and toss gently so every strand is well coated with that creamy goodness.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle an extra cup of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Here’s the magic step that turns this into a baked chicken spaghetti casserole! Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Final touches: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the step where I learned to be patient with my Chicken Spaghetti—it makes all the difference for the cheese to set slightly.
If your Chicken Spaghetti looks super saucy right out of the oven, no worries—that’s perfect. The sauce firms up as it cools and soaks into the pasta, creating that melt-in-your-mouth cheesy texture we all crave.
If you want to shortcut this recipe, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and canned ready-to-use veggies makes it a breeze. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible when this Chicken Spaghetti is ready—trust me, the crispy, cheesy aroma is worth the wait!
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Chicken Spaghetti truly shines when you serve it with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies to keep things balanced. My go-to sides are steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon—both cut through the richness and make this meal feel complete.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy this Chicken Spaghetti is on a lazy weekend or when we’re having people over. It’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm welcome at the dinner table. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making lunches just as tasty as dinnertime.
Want to switch it up? Try topping your baked chicken spaghetti casserole with crispy fried onions for crunch or mix in a little cooked bacon for extra smoky flavor. I’ve also played with swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a twist on cheesy chicken spaghetti.
Leftovers? No problem—try turning them into stuffed peppers or a quick chicken spaghetti quesadilla! Just wrap the cheesy pasta in a tortilla with some fresh salsa, and you’re in business.
This dish feels like a real winner throughout the year, but I especially love pulling it out when the weather starts to cool. That creamy chicken spaghetti pasta satisfies like no other comfort food can.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Chicken Spaghetti ahead?
Absolutely! You can cook the pasta and shred the chicken the day before. Assemble everything but wait to bake until you’re ready. Just cover and refrigerate, then pop it in the oven when dinner time rolls around.
What’s a good swap for the cream of mushroom soup in this Chicken Spaghetti?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom, cream of chicken or celery soups work beautifully. You can even make a quick homemade white sauce if you want to skip canned soup altogether.
Can I make this Chicken Spaghetti for more or fewer people?
Yes! This recipe is super flexible. Just double or halve the ingredients to match your crew size. Easy math, and it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Can I use a different pasta besides spaghetti?
Totally! Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni can all join the party. I love how chicken spaghetti pasta transforms with different shapes—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I make this Chicken Spaghetti extra creamy?
Add a little cream cheese or extra sour cream to the sauce. Some folks also mix in cottage cheese or use a splash of heavy cream for that ultra-rich texture.
Can I freeze leftover Chicken Spaghetti?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it’s almost as good as fresh.
What if I want a spicier Chicken Spaghetti?
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra diced tomatoes with green chilies. I’ve also stirred in cayenne pepper flakes for a nice heat.
I love how this recipe reminds me of other favorites like this Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe – Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti, or Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Plain Chicken if you want even more cheesy goodness. For a baked take, Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe is a total crowd-pleaser!
Final Foodie Thoughts:
Chicken Spaghetti really holds a special spot in my foodie heart because it’s everything I want in a home-cooked meal—simple, satisfying, and share-worthy. It’s the recipe that sticks when I want a comforting dinner without a ton of fuss, and it always hits that creamy, cheesy note that makes you say, “Yup, this is dinner done right.”
My Top Chicken Spaghetti Tips:
– Use leftover rotisserie chicken—it makes dinner fast and flavorful.
– Don’t skip the extra cheese on top before baking for that golden crust.
– Cook pasta just shy of al dente; it finishes perfectly in the oven.
Three tasty variations I adore: swapping in spicy jalapeños for a kick, adding chopped bacon for smoky goodness, and mixing in fresh spinach for a veggie boost.
The baked chicken spaghetti casserole is definitely the most requested version at my house. Friends and family love that bubbly golden top and creamy middle—it’s a total winner every time.
Whether you stick with classic creamy chicken spaghetti or make it your own with fun twists, I hope you love how this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a real kitchen win that I’m so excited for you to try and make your own!
If you’re into this cozy Chicken Spaghetti, you’ll probably love checking out my chicken avocado ranch burritos or warming up with my turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup, both everyday awesome meals that bring a little extra joy to the table.

Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Add shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, salt, pepper, and thyme to the soup mixture. Stir to combine.
- Fold in cooked spaghetti and half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, top with crushed buttery crackers or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick before baking.

