This Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a warm and cozy dish that brings comfort to the table. It features tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and pasta—what’s not to love?
Honestly, this bake is a lifesaver on busy nights! I love how it all comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Pasta: I typically use regular spaghetti, but you can swap it for whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for ease. You can also use leftover chicken or even shredded turkey. For a vegetarian option, try using cooked mushrooms or a mix of beans!
Diced Tomatoes: I love using diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor, but if you prefer milder, plain diced tomatoes work just fine. You can add red pepper flakes for some heat later!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you want a lighter version, consider using a can of low-fat cream of mushroom soup or making a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms and flour. You can also substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute here for a tangy twist. You could use low-fat sour cream if you’re looking to cut calories, too.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Spaghetti Bake is Creamy and Flavorful?
The creaminess of this bake relies on proper mixing and cooking techniques. Here’s how to make sure it’s perfect:
- After cooking the spaghetti, toss it with the chicken mixture while it’s still warm. This helps everything combine better.
- Don’t skimp on salt and pepper! Season each layer, especially the sautéed onions and garlic, to enhance the flavors.
- Use a mix of cheese for a richer flavor. I usually blend sharp cheddar with mozzarella, but feel free to experiment!
- Finally, bake until the top is golden and bubbly, around 25-30 minutes. A little extra bake time can help develop the flavors more!
Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set. This dish makes for excellent leftovers, too!
Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Spaghetti Bake takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to have this comforting dish ready to serve. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This will keep your delicious bake from sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once it’s ready, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetable Base:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t forget to add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
4. Mix it All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, drained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, sautéed onion and garlic, chili powder, cumin (if you’re using it), half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and the chopped cilantro or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix everything until well combined.
5. Combine with the Spaghetti:
Add the drained spaghetti to your chicken mixture and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to ensure even cooking. Top it off by sprinkling the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the surface.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for melted and bubbly cheese with a golden-brown top—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch. Then dig in and enjoy your comforting Chicken Spaghetti Bake!
This dish is not only flavorful but also fills your home with the scent of delicious comfort food. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the mix.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you prefer a different flavor or don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute, or even make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms and cream for a fresher taste!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or cover the dish and reheat in the oven until heated through.
