Description
A creamy and delicious Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole that combines tender chicken, spaghetti, and a rich sauce topped with cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, rotisserie works great)
- 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente (a little firm). Drain and set aside (reserve ½ cup pasta water if you don’t have broth).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, Rotel, chicken broth, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt & pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese (if using), 1 cup cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture and toss until well coated. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese on top. (Optional) Add buttery cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs for crunch. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For spice: Use hot Rotel or add extra cayenne.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Swap cheeses: Pepper Jack for spice, mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble casserole, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 50–55 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg