Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Description:

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor with just a hint of zest from Rotel. A cozy casserole that comes together quickly with pantry staples, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. The blend of shredded chicken, tender spaghetti, sour cream, and creamy soups bakes into a golden, bubbly dish that’s hard to resist. Trust us — don’t skip the Rotel. It’s the secret ingredient that brings it all together. 💖

Ingredients:

1 lb spaghetti noodles
1 (10 oz) can mild Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) — don’t skip this!
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
½ stick (¼ cup) melted butter
½ cup chicken broth
2–3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works best)

Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chicken broth, and shredded chicken. Stir well until fully mixed.
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Top generously with shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden cheesy top.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

20 Best Tips for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti Bake:

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick, flavorful shortcut.
Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.
Use sharp cheddar for a bold cheese flavor.
Swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version of sour cream.
Add chopped jalapeños if you like it spicy.
Mix in steamed broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.
Add a layer of crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy top.
Cook pasta to just al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
Spray your baking dish with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
Freeze before baking for meal prepping — just thaw and bake later.
Use low-sodium soups if watching salt intake.
Add a sprinkle of paprika or parsley on top for color.
Stir in some cream cheese for an extra creamy version.
Double the recipe and freeze one for later!
Use angel hair pasta for a lighter texture.
Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
Use leftover turkey after the holidays instead of chicken.
Stir in a can of corn or black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of Rotel?
Try a mix of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Can I make it without cream soups?
You can use homemade cream soup alternatives or a béchamel sauce.
What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie, boiled, or leftover roasted chicken all work great.
Is this dish spicy?
Mild Rotel isn’t very spicy, but you can use regular or hot if you like heat.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Use vegetable broth, water with bouillon, or skip it for a thicker consistency.
Can I use other pasta types?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Bake covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual servings.
What cheese is best for topping?
Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack are excellent choices.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Skip the chicken and use cream of mushroom twice or add cooked veggies.
How long will it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just cook and shred it first.
Why is my pasta mushy?
Overcooked pasta or too much liquid — always cook pasta to al dente.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, though it may slightly change the texture.
Can I add bacon?
Totally! Crumbled bacon adds great flavor and texture.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Very! It’s creamy, cheesy, and not too spicy.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes — combine all ingredients and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
Can I add spices?
Yes — try paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning.
Can I use canned chicken?
It works in a pinch, but fresh or rotisserie is better for flavor and texture.