Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Classic

Name: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp flour; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ¾ cup milk; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 10 oz diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel); 8 oz thin spaghetti; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; Red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, for garnish

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, cheesy goodness of Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This hearty, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, homemade cheese sauce infused with Rotel tomatoes and green chilies for a touch of spice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious casserole, share pro tips for perfecting the recipe, and explore why this dish is a must-try for any home cook. Plus, we’ll dive into the SEO-optimized details to ensure you have all the information you need to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Creamy, Cheesy Perfection: With a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Versatile: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook fresh chicken for maximum flavor.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for busy households.

Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:

2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked chicken)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
¾ cup milk
4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
10 oz. diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel)
8 oz. thin spaghetti
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Red pepper flakes & chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that golden, bubbly top.

2. Cook the Chicken

If you’re using fresh chicken, slice the breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Pro Tip: Using the same pot to make the sauce allows the fond (browned bits from the chicken) to infuse the sauce with extra flavor.

3. Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the same pot. Add the diced onions and cook until softened (about 4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour over the onions and garlic, tossing to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, stirring continuously to maintain the thickness of the roux. Next, add ¾ cup of milk in small increments, whisking until the sauce is smooth and combined.

Pro Tip: Start boiling water for the spaghetti while the sauce simmers. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain once done.

4. Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar

Stir in the softened 4 oz. cream cheese until melted and smooth. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cool slightly before adding 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully incorporated.

5. Combine Ingredients

Drain the juice from the 10 oz. diced tomatoes & green chilies (unless you prefer a thinner sauce, in which case you can add some of the juice). Add the tomatoes and diced chicken to the sauce, stirring to combine. Finally, fold in the cooked spaghetti.

6. Assemble the Casserole

If your pot isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake and Broil

Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 minutes. For a slightly browned top, broil it for 1-2 minutes at 475°F (245°C), keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

The History of Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

The origins of Chicken Spaghetti Casserole can be traced back to mid-20th century America, where casseroles became a popular way to create hearty, budget-friendly meals for families. Casseroles gained traction during the Great Depression and World War II, as they allowed home cooks to stretch limited ingredients into filling dishes. The concept of combining pasta, protein, and a creamy sauce was a natural evolution, and Chicken Spaghetti Casserole emerged as a beloved variation.

This dish is particularly popular in the Southern United States, where comfort food reigns supreme. The addition of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies gives it a slight Tex-Mex twist, making it a staple at potlucks, church gatherings, and family dinners. Over time, the recipe has been adapted to include various cheeses, spices, and even different types of pasta, but the core elements remain the same: tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

Today, Chicken Spaghetti Casserole continues to be a favorite for its simplicity and versatility. It’s a dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes, whether you prefer it spicy, mild, or loaded with extra veggies. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to bring people together over a warm, comforting meal.

Why Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a delicious, homemade meal can be a challenge. That’s where Chicken Spaghetti Casserole comes in. This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a perfect balance of convenience and flavor.

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a hearty meal on the table in under an hour. The use of pantry staples like spaghetti, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth means you likely already have most of what you need on hand. Plus, the recipe is incredibly forgiving—substitutions and shortcuts are easy to incorporate without sacrificing taste.

Another reason this casserole is ideal for busy households is its meal prep potential. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, ready to bake whenever you need it. This makes it a great option for meal planning, ensuring you always have a delicious dinner waiting, even on your busiest days.

Finally, Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, cheesy goodness appeals to both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for family dinners. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.

Tips for Customizing Your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

One of the best things about Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is its versatility. While the classic recipe is delicious as-is, there are countless ways to customize it to suit your tastes or use up ingredients you have on hand.

For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the cheese sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for mild Rotel tomatoes or omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, gouda, or parmesan, to create unique flavor profiles.

Vegetables are another great addition to this casserole. Try mixing in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture. If you’re looking to cut carbs, substitute the spaghetti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

For protein variations, swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp. Vegetarians can use plant-based chicken substitutes or simply load up on veggies and beans. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a canvas for your culinary creativity.

By customizing your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, you can keep the dish exciting and tailored to your preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with new flavors, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 547 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 103mg
Sodium: 641mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Why This Recipe Works for SEO

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