Name: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; Spaghetti noodles; Cream of chicken soup; Cream of mushroom soup; Diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel); Shredded cheddar cheese; Onion, finely chopped (optional); Garlic powder; Salt and pepper; Butter (for greasing or sautéing onion); Milk or chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce if needed)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 16 reviews

There’s something magical about a bubbling casserole dish emerging from the oven, loaded with ooey-gooey cheese and hearty goodness. That’s exactly what you get with Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This classic comfort dish mixes tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a dreamy, creamy cheese sauce. Every forkful is pure nostalgia with flavors the whole family adores. Whether you’re making dinner for loved ones or prepping a dish to feed a crowd, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is always the star of the table—easy, flexible, and irresistibly delicious.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every piece of this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a role—some provide cheesy melt, others rich creaminess, and a few bring pops of color or a subtle kick. Let’s break down what you’ll need and a tip for each:

Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: Rotisserie chicken keeps things quick, but any leftover or poached chicken works perfectly here.
Spaghetti noodles: Cook just until al dente; they’ll soak up all the creamy sauce while baking.
Cream of chicken soup: The secret to rich, velvety texture—plus that classic casserole flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds deeper savoriness and rounds out the creamy sauce.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel): Brings vibrant color and a gentle hit of zesty flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The cheesy crown on top—reserve some for that golden, bubbly finish.
Onion, finely chopped (optional): A quick sauté sweetens and softens for an extra layer of flavor.
Garlic powder: Easy and fast for that signature savory depth.
Salt and pepper: Brings the flavors together—season to taste!
Butter (for greasing or sautéing onion): A touch for flavor and to keep the casserole from sticking.
Milk or chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce if needed): Adds creaminess if your mixture feels a bit thick.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous rub of butter or a spritz of oil. This little step ensures a golden crust and easy serving once your Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is hot and ready.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring it up to a boil. Toss in your spaghetti noodles and cook just until al dente—firm enough to hold up when baked with all that glorious sauce. Drain and set aside while you prep the rest.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and most of the shredded cheddar cheese (save a handful for later!). This isn’t the time to be shy—really mix it up so every bite of your Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole gets its share of creamy, savory flavor.

Step 4: Sauté the Onion (If Using)

If you love a touch of sweet, savory onion, melt a knob of butter in a skillet and sauté your finely chopped onions until they’re soft and fragrant. Add them into your mixing bowl and give everything a solid stir. The onion boosts flavor and brings a comforting aroma that whispers, “homemade.”

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked spaghetti to your bowl and toss gently so every strand is coated in that rich, cheesy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick to stir, splash in a little milk or chicken broth to loosen it. The goal is a creamy, cohesive mixture that’ll bake up beautifully.

Step 6: Layer and Top with Cheese

Spoon your mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to every corner. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese right over the top. This step guarantees the wonderfully bubbly, golden cheese crust that defines a Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the casserole (uncovered!) into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for melted cheese, bubbling edges, and a lightly golden top. Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to set before scooping into hearty, creamy portions.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions livens up the rich filling with a pop of color and brightness. If your crew loves heat, set out some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for that final personal touch. Garnishes let everyone make their Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole their own!

Side Dishes

This casserole is a cozy main course, so I like to round it out with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or some roasted veggies. Anything fresh and crunchy balances the comfort factor and makes the meal feel complete without competing for center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Try dividing the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole into individual ramekins for an adorable dinner party twist, or spoon it into foil pans for easy make-and-take meals. It’s also fabulous scooped into hollowed-out red peppers or served in bread bowls—kids especially love this playful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole into an airtight container and let it cool to room temperature before sliding it into the fridge. It keeps fresh for up to 4 days—a delicious bonus for quick lunches or dinner the next night!

Freezing

This casserole is a meal prep hero. To freeze, assemble everything as usual but skip the baking. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a cheesy comfort fix, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to get it piping hot.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions of Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore that crave-worthy creaminess. You can also reheat larger portions gently in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti gives that classic texture, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just cook them until al dente and carry on. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds up well in a creamy sauce.

What’s the best way to make this casserole ahead of time?

You can fully assemble Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time straight from the fridge to make sure it’s properly heated through.

Can I lighten up the recipe without sacrificing flavor?

Yes! Swap regular soups for reduced-fat versions, use part-skim cheese, and try whole-wheat pasta for extra nutrition. Rotisserie chicken breast keeps things lean but still incredibly satisfying.

Is this casserole spicy because of the Rotel?

The diced tomatoes with green chilies add more tang and flavor than real heat. If you’re concerned, pick the mild variety. Want to turn up the spice? Add extra chilies or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes.

What cheeses besides cheddar work well?

Cheddar is the classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully into Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. Mixing two cheeses is a fun way to experiment and find your signature combo!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that goes the extra mile in both flavor and ease, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. It’s the recipe I return to again and again for potlucks, busy weeknights, or just when I want something hearty that everyone loves. I hope you make this dish your own and share it with the people you care about—it’s always the kind of meal that brings folks together!