If you are craving a comforting meal that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a delightful blend of savory flavors and smooth textures that make weeknight dinners feel special and inviting. With just the right balance of cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente noodles, every forkful is a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or to impress friends, this recipe never fails to satisfy and impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple, accessible ingredients come together to form a rich and flavorful dish. Each ingredient plays its part—whether it’s the creamy soups adding luscious body, the herbs giving depth, or the cheeses providing that irresistible melty finish.
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles: The backbone of the dish, providing a perfect base that absorbs all the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Tender protein that carries the flavors beautifully and keeps the dish hearty.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Offers sweetness and a savory depth when sautéed.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Brings a burst of color and a gentle crunch to balance the creaminess.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic flavor punch that elevates everything.
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup: Deepens the chicken flavor and makes the sauce velvety rich.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Subtle herbaceous notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Helps loosen the sauce and adds savory moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a warm, slightly peppery hint that rounds out the herbs.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, it brings a delightful tang and richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretchiness that all baked pasta dishes deserve.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning essentials to make the flavors pop.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): A fresh green touch that brightens the finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
Begin by cooking your spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they reach that perfect al dente texture. This ensures the noodles maintain their structure once baked without becoming mushy. After cooking, drain the noodles well and set them aside, ready to be enveloped in the luscious sauce.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
While your noodles cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature lets the casserole bake evenly, melting cheeses to bubbly perfection without drying out the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken, now is the time to cook it. Poach or grill the chicken until it’s fully cooked through and tender. Then, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Using cooked chicken from your fridge works perfectly too, making this recipe wonderfully flexible.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step builds the foundation of flavor, making sure each bite has a gentle sweetness and a hint of garlic warmth.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
To the sautéed vegetables, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Mix everything until perfectly smooth and combined, then add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this creamy sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and marry beautifully.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
Next, add the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti noodles, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese directly into the skillet with your rich sauce. Stir everything until every noodle and piece of chicken is generously coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture. This is the stage where the magic of the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe truly comes together.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your creamy mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if you want that golden, bubbly crust everyone loves. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and the entire casserole is heated through, offering a cozy, cheesy dinner everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens the rich flavors and adds a fresh, herby contrast to the creamy casserole. You could also add a little cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. These simple garnishes make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken casserole pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Tossed green salads with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts balance the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make wonderful side companions, perfect for scooping up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You can also turn this recipe into handheld delights by folding the mixture into warm tortillas for creamy chicken spaghetti wrap-ups. No matter how you present it, this dish is sure to bring smiles to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover creamy chicken spaghetti bake into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze the bake before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, cool completely, then wrap well and freeze for the same duration. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through, until hot. Adding a splash of chicken broth helps prevent dryness during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni can be excellent alternatives and will soak up the creamy sauce just as well.
Is this recipe suitable for using leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe. It makes the preparation even quicker and helps reduce food waste without compromising flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You might also add extra mushrooms or other veggies to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade or are avoiding canned soups, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings as a substitute to achieve that creamy texture.
How do I get a crispy top on my spaghetti bake?
To achieve a crispy top, sprinkle an extra layer of shredded cheese or breadcrumbs before baking and finish uncovered for the last 10 minutes to allow browning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug, and this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe fills that role beautifully. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to fit any weeknight or casual gathering. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself coming back to this creamy, cheesy wonder as a new family favorite in no time.
Print
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting chicken spaghetti casserole combines tender spaghetti noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy cheesy sauce baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Soups and Broth
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti noodles: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, either poach it in simmering water or grill it until fully cooked. Then shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces suitable for mixing into the casserole.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and combined. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese into the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesy crust. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom or chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher option.
- Adding extra cheese on top before baking creates a nice golden crust.
- For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top along with the cheese before baking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti noodles initially as they will bake further in the oven.
