This easy Baked Chicken and Spaghetti with cream cheese is classic comfort food, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual family meals. Cooked chicken and spaghetti are combined with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbling for a simple, satisfying casserole.
If you enjoy baked pasta, try other comforting casseroles such as slow cooker tortellini bakes, ground beef pasta bakes, or meatball pasta bakes for variety. These types of recipes follow a similar approach: a creamy or tomato-based sauce, cooked pasta, a protein, and a cheesy topping that bakes into a crowd-pleasing dish.
Baked Chicken and Spaghetti Casserole
This straightforward chicken spaghetti casserole is a family favorite for good reason: it’s fast to prepare, adaptable to what you have on hand, and hits the spot on chilly evenings. The recipe works well as written, but it also welcomes small tweaks—add a little heat with red pepper flakes, swap cheeses, or fold in sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition and texture.
Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this dish. Rotisserie chicken, shredded crockpot chicken, or baked chicken breasts all work well and help cut down on prep time. The casserole also freezes and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal planning and busy weeks.
This recipe makes a great freezer meal: prepare one to enjoy now and freeze another for later. If you want budget-friendly or healthier meal options, consider pairing this casserole with lighter sides like a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Key Ingredients
- Spaghetti – traditional spaghetti noodles give this dish its classic texture, though similar shapes like linguine, penne, or shells can be used.
- Chicken Broth – use store-bought or homemade chicken stock to build flavor in the sauce.
- Cream Cheese – full-fat cream cheese creates a silky, rich sauce; it blends smoothly with the broth and sour cream.
- Sour Cream – adds creaminess and a mild tang; full-fat or light sour cream are both suitable. As an alternative, a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Parmesan Cheese – shredded or grated Parmesan boosts savory depth and umami.
- Cooked Chicken – rotisserie chicken or any cooked, diced or shredded chicken works well. You can also cook fresh chicken breasts specifically for the recipe.
- Mozzarella Cheese – shredded mozzarella melts into a stretchy, golden topping. Blend with sharper cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a bolder finish.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Preheat the oven. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti. Cook spaghetti to al dente according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine chicken broth, cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Warm and stir until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and chicken. Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the cooked spaghetti, grated Parmesan, diced cooked chicken, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish. Spread the mixture into a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly across the top.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Easy Recipe Variations
Customize this casserole by swapping ingredients or adding flavors you enjoy. Here are a few popular variations:
- Mexican style: Add diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, and canned diced green chiles for a zesty twist.
- Vegetarian bake: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or spinach for a hearty vegetable casserole.
- Shrimp version: Substitute small cooked shrimp for the chicken for a seafood-forward option.
- Tomato and green chiles: Stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel) for a slightly spicy, tangy variation many families prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does rotisserie chicken last? Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked rotisserie chicken will keep 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to cool before refrigerating.
Can I make this recipe ahead? Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off and then bake as directed.
Can I freeze the chicken spaghetti? Yes. Prep the casserole in a disposable foil pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or bake from partially thawed; baking from frozen will require additional time (about 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350°F).
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Cover leftovers with foil or an airtight lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Cover and reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. For frozen casseroles, allow to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes if possible, then bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through.
Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cooked chicken, rotisserie or other, cut into 1/2″ chunks
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 teaspoons parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook spaghetti noodles to al dente according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine chicken broth, cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Bring to a low simmer and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat, then add cooked spaghetti, Parmesan, diced chicken, and half the mozzarella. Mix to combine and spread into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and bake for 20–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Storing leftovers: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. From frozen, allow at least a short thaw and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour until heated through.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and provided for reference only.
More of the Best Pasta Recipes
- Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Homemade Mac and Cheese (stovetop)
- Easy Baked Ziti
- Pasta Carbonara
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
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- Homemade Lasagna
- Slow Cooker Tortellini Pasta Bake
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- 4 Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Lasagna Soup
- More Easy Dinner Ideas
- More Chicken Entrees
This chicken spaghetti casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic. Simple to prepare and easy to adapt, it’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a freezer-friendly make-ahead meal any night of the week.