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A silver spoon lifting a large serving of creamy chicken spaghetti with peppers from a glass baking dish.

Creamy Baked Chicken Spaghetti

A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce, all baked to golden perfection, perfect for a family dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 950

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
For the Spaghetti
  • 16 oz spaghetti cooked al dente, drained
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper red or green, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz each, undiluted
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese cubed (or similar processed cheese block)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
For Topping
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken and Spaghetti
  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, then shred or dice. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same large skillet (or a clean one) over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Simmer Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the Velveeta is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Combine: In a very large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, drained spaghetti, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated.
  2. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
  3. Bake: Sprinkle 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  4. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Baked Chicken Spaghetti!

Notes

For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish is great for meal prep; leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven. For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.