If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and downright delicious, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s ridiculously easy yet packed with comfort food vibes—melty cheese, tender chicken, and a hint of spice all baked together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort: Combines pantry staples and rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight win.
- Flavor Packed: The creamy combination of cheeses, ROTEL, and spices hits all the right savory notes.
- Family Favorite: My kids go crazy for this, and it’s a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance, freeze leftovers, and still get that perfect melty texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe lies in how simple ingredients team up to create big flavor. Plus, you’ll usually have most of these on hand, making it super inviting when you need a homemade meal fast.
- Spaghetti pasta: Look for regular dry spaghetti—you want it cooked al dente so it holds up in the bake without turning mushy.
- Cream of chicken soup: Using the condensed kind (no water added) keeps the dish rich and creamy.
- ROTEL (diced tomatoes and green chilies): Adds a subtle kick that livens the whole dish up.
- Sour cream: Brings tang and creaminess, balancing the cheese beautifully.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Just a splash to loosen everything up without overpowering.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: I love using a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla for that perfect melty, gooey texture.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Aromatic extras that add depth without fuss.
- Salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes: Seasoning essentials—adjust the heat level to your taste.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken breast: This shortcut keeps it easy and flavorful; you can swap with leftover cooked chicken, too.
- Fresh chopped parsley: For garnish and a splash of color—totally optional but pretty satisfying.
Variations
I like to make this dish my own depending on what’s in the fridge or who I’m feeding. Sometimes I jazz it up or dial it down depending on the crowd, and you should totally feel free to do the same!
- Spicy Kick: When I want a bit more heat, I add extra crushed red pepper flakes or swap ROTEL for fire-roasted diced tomatoes with jalapeños.
- Cheese Variations: Try swapping in mozzarella or pepper jack instead of the Mexican blend for a different melty texture and flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach – still super comforting and cheesy.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure your canned soups are GF-friendly; the rest stays the same and fabulous.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepping Pasta and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—that way your cheesy goodness won’t stick and clean-up is a breeze. Cook your spaghetti in salted water just until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and give it a moment to cool slightly while you get the rest ready.
Step 2: Mixing the Creamy Sauce
In the pot you used for pasta, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup (undiluted), the entire can of ROTEL with its juices, sour cream, chicken broth, and one cup of the shredded cheese. Toss in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, creamy sauce—this is the base that makes the dish so comforting.
Step 3: Combining Pasta and Chicken
Now fold the cooked spaghetti and shredded rotisserie chicken right into your creamy sauce. Make sure every strand and shred is coated—this step ensures each bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 4: Baking to Cheesy Perfection
Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with nonstick aluminum foil (or regular foil sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake for about 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and heated through. Then take off the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to get that golden, bubbly cheese crust that we all adore.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente is key—overcooked spaghetti turns mushy once baked, and nobody wants that texture.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It adds flavor and saves tons of time. Plus, shredded breast keeps it lean and tender.
- Cover Before Baking: Covering with foil traps steam, keeping the dish moist; the final uncovered bake crisps up the cheese perfectly.
- Season to Taste: I always taste the sauce before combining—adjust salt and spice so the final dish shines.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a subtle freshness that brightens all the cheesy richness. A little extra cracked black pepper right before serving also amps up the flavor.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add a bit of crunch and balance. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side never hurts either for mopping up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I’ve served this bake in individual ramekins for dinner parties—each guest gets their own cheesy masterpiece straight from the oven. It’s a charming touch and makes portion control easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe freezes well! I freeze it before baking, tightly covered, for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I pop a portion in the microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel over the top to keep it moist. Or better yet, reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and prevent dryness.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe?
Yes! You can cook fresh chicken breasts by poaching or baking and then shredding them for this recipe. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but fresh cooked chicken works just as well.
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Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
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Can I prepare the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the entire dish without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes an easy dinner prep for busy days.
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What can I serve with this cheesy chicken spaghetti bake?
It’s great alongside a fresh green salad, steamed or roasted veggies, and some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to round out the meal.
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Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
Yes, leftover baked cheesy chicken spaghetti can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before baking or freeze portions after baking in airtight containers.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is one of those comfort meals that just hits every note — easy, cheesy, and satisfying. I love how it brings everyone to the table with smiles and seconds. If you want a fuss-free dinner with hearty flavors and leftovers that don’t disappoint, you’re going to want to keep this recipe in your rotation. Seriously, give it a try soon—I think you’ll love it just as much as my family does!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender rotisserie chicken, spaghetti pasta, melted Mexican cheese blend, and a flavorful mix of cream of chicken soup and ROTEL tomatoes. It’s baked to perfection until hot and bubbly, topped with fresh parsley for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti pasta (about 3/4 of the box)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10 ounces each, undiluted)
- 1 can ROTEL (10 ounces, undrained)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Protein and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the dry spaghetti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside briefly.
- Prepare Sauce and Combine: In the same pot used for the pasta, add the cream of chicken soups, undrained ROTEL, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese, and all the seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until fully combined.
- Mix Pasta and Chicken: Fold the cooked pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mexican cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with nonstick aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese topping to brown slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, then serve warm and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Do not dilute the cream of chicken soup; use it undiluted for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- The combination of Mexican cheese blend and ROTEL adds a nice cheesy and mildly spicy kick.
- This recipe yields about 8 servings, perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 454 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 651 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg
