Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe / Family Favorite

Cheesy chicken spaghetti bake represents comfort food at its finest, combining familiar ingredients in a soul-warming dish.

This hearty casserole crafts simple components into a culinary masterpiece that hugs your taste buds.

Layers of tender pasta intertwine with succulent protein and rich, melted cheese to create a symphony of flavors.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings elevate this classic meal beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly the ingredients come together, making preparation a breeze for busy families.

The golden, crispy top promises a delightful contrast to the smooth, velvety interior of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through comfort and satisfaction.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake for Ultimate Comfort

• Creamy Comfort Cuisine: Dive into a rich, velvety chicken spaghetti bake that wraps you in pure comfort with its luxurious cheese sauce and tender chicken pieces.
• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this one-pan wonder comes together quickly and serves a large group with minimal kitchen stress.
• Customizable Cooking Flexibility: Choose between stovetop or oven methods, making it adaptable to your kitchen setup and time constraints, while allowing personal touches like optional cheese and green onion toppings.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

• Chicken Fillets or Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, juicy meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when freshly cooked or from a high-quality rotisserie chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce base.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that provides a perfect base for the cheesy chicken mixture, choose regular or whole wheat for added nutrition.
• Velveeta Cheese: Creamy processed cheese that melts smoothly and creates a rich, velvety sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and helps bind the sauce together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese used for topping, provides a classic cheesy finish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a thick, creamy base for the sauce.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Adds a zesty kick with diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a mild, oniony flavor and color contrast.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Select either freshly cooked chicken fillets or a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. If using rotisserie, remove skin and bones, then chop the meat into bite-sized pieces to yield about .

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until perfectly al dente, typically around 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Cubed Velveeta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Cream soup
• Rotel tomatoes
• Ground black pepper

Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Fold the drained spaghetti and prepared chicken into the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure every strand is generously coated.

Step 5: Cooking Options

Stovetop Method:

Simmer the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and bubbling. Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped green onions before serving.

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish
• Transfer spaghetti mixture into the dish
• Bake uncovered for 30 minutes
• Optional: Add cheddar cheese and green onions during final 10 minutes of baking

Step 6: Serving and Storage

Serves: 6-8 people

Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes

• Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezable before baking
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator

• Microwave or oven
• Add small amount of milk or chicken broth if mixture seems dry

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.

Best Tips for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

• Optimize Chicken Selection: Choose rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and minimal prep time, ensuring tender and juicy meat throughout the dish.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Stir the cheese sauce continuously over medium heat to create a smooth, velvety texture without lumps or burning.
• Control Pasta Consistency: Cook spaghetti exactly to al dente to avoid mushy texture, as it will continue cooking slightly during baking or stovetop heating.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Use room temperature cream cheese and Velveeta for easier blending and a more uniform sauce consistency.
• Maintain Moisture Balance: When reheating, always add a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent the casserole from drying out and preserve its creamy texture.

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

• Storage Method: Transfer leftover Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake into airtight containers or sealed glass dishes within 2 hours after cooking. Refrigerate promptly to maintain food safety and preserve delicious flavors.
• Refrigerator Storage: Keep the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place containers in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the back section, to maintain optimal temperature and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Techniques: Microwave Option: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Oven Method: Preheat to 350°F, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Pairing Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake with Sides

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich, creamy cheese sauce, balancing the dish's heaviness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, cheesy chicken spaghetti bake.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up the extra cheese sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a crisp cucumber slaw with a light dressing to offer a cool, crunchy side that helps cleanse the palate between cheesy bites.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Fun Variations

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Spaghetti: Add diced jalapeños, swap Rotel for spicy green chiles, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herbed Chicken Pasta: Replace Velveeta with feta cheese, mix in chopped kalamata olives, fresh basil, and sundried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Chicken Spaghetti: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach to boost vegetable content and nutritional value while maintaining the creamy cheese sauce.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate rendition of the classic recipe.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with creamy pasta and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients meld together in a casserole that promises delicious satisfaction for hungry families seeking a classic comfort meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 chicken fillets, cooked and shredded (about 4 cups; a rotisserie chicken is recommended)

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti, cooked
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can cream of mushroom and chicken soup
• 1 10-ounce (283 grams) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel)

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup diced green onions

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Instructions

1. Select tender chicken fillets or a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Carefully remove skin and bones, then dice or shred meat into approximately of bite-sized pieces.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
3. In a spacious saucepan, combine chicken broth, cubed Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, condensed cream soup, diced Rotel tomatoes, and ground black pepper. Melt ingredients over medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a velvety, uniform sauce.
4. Gently fold the drained spaghetti and prepared chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring every strand and morsel is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
5. For stovetop preparation, maintain medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the dish is heated thoroughly and bubbling. Alternatively, for oven baking, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 centimeters) baking dish.
6. If using the oven method, bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions on top during the final 10 minutes of baking.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven to help set the sauce. Serve hot, garnishing with extra green onions if desired.
8. For storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Notes

• Swap rotisserie chicken with any cooked chicken for a quick and flexible meal prep.
• Opt for whole wheat spaghetti to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
• Create a smoother sauce by gradually melting cheese over low heat and stirring consistently.
• Customize toppings with crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, or extra shredded cheese for added texture.
• Prevent dry casserole by covering with foil during initial baking and adding liquid when reheating.
• Separate portions before freezing to make thawing and reheating more convenient for individual servings.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 582 cal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1420 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg