Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe 2025
Introduction
Nothing screams “comfort food” quite like a bubbling dish of cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole. This Southern-inspired classic delivers layers of rich, creamy, cheesy goodness intertwined with tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s the type of dish that brings families together around the dinner table — or makes you the star at your next potluck.
In this ultimate guide, we go far beyond the basics. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to casseroles, this article walks you through everything from advanced cooking tips to freezer storage hacks, so your dish is not only delicious—but unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- ✅ Super creamy & ultra cheesy
- ✅ Perfect for batch cooking & meal prep
- ✅ Freezer-friendly – bake now or later!
- ✅ Kid-approved & potluck-perfect
- ✅ Easily customizable for spice lovers or picky eaters
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need for this decadent, family-favorite casserole:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti (broken in half)
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Pro Tip: Using both cheddar and mozzarella balances flavor and stretch. Cheddar adds sharpness while mozzarella creates that beautiful pull.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Make it your own by swapping or customizing:
| Want to change it up? | Use this instead |
|---|---|
| Cream of chicken soup | Cream of mushroom or homemade roux |
| Ro-Tel | Plain diced tomatoes + chopped jalapeños |
| Sour cream | Greek yogurt |
| Spaghetti | Angel hair, linguine, or gluten-free pasta |
| Chicken | Turkey, leftover rotisserie, or pulled pork |
| Cheese | Pepper jack for spice, Colby for mildness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
🍝 Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside. Do not overcook—it will continue cooking in the oven.
🍗 Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Ro-Tel
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
🍗 Step 4: Add Chicken & Cheese
Add shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Mix gently.
🍝 Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss everything until the pasta is fully coated.
🧀 Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour mixture into the greased dish. Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
🔥 Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
🌿 Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley and serve hot!
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Cheese Melt Magic: Grate cheese from a block — pre-shredded can get gritty.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Keep it al dente or your casserole will be mushy.
- Add a crunchy topping: Crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs add texture.
- Rest before serving: Let it sit 5–10 minutes after baking to set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Pasta is soggy | Undercook before baking |
| Cheese sauce is grainy | Use full-fat dairy and fresh cheese |
| Bland flavor | Season pasta water + sauce well |
| Greasy top | Balance cheese quantity (not too much mozzarella) |
Make-Ahead, Freezing & Reheating
🧊 To Freeze (Before Baking):
- Assemble casserole in a disposable foil pan.
- Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
- Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
🔥 To Bake from Frozen:
- Remove plastic, keep foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour, then uncover and bake 15 more minutes.
♻️ Reheat Leftovers:
- Microwave individual portions with a splash of milk or broth.
- Or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm (15–20 mins).
Flavor Enhancements & Serving Ideas
🔥 For Spicy Lovers:
- Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
🌽 For Tex-Mex Vibes:
- Add corn, black beans, or taco seasoning.
🥗 Pair With:
- Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted green beans.
🍷 Drink Ideas:
- Chardonnay or a crisp iced tea with lemon.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Disclaimer: Always consult a nutritionist for exact data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It adds tons of flavor and saves time.
❓ Can I freeze after baking?
Yes, just cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
❓ Can I make it ahead for a party?
Perfectly! Prep a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh.
❓ Can I add veggies?
Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work great.
❓ How do I double the recipe?
Use a deep 11×15 dish or two 9×13 pans and adjust bake time.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just another dinner recipe — it’s an experience of creamy comfort, loaded with flavor and made to impress. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, meal-prepping for the week, or showing up to a potluck with a crowd-pleaser, this dish delivers.
