If you’re craving a cozy, comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and unbelievably satisfying, Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is the recipe you need in your life. This dish brings together tender spaghetti, juicy shredded chicken, a silky cream sauce, and melted cheese baked to bubbly perfection. It’s easy, hearty, reheats beautifully, and is practically guaranteed to become a regular in your weeknight meal rotation.

This recipe takes classic chicken spaghetti — a beloved Southern-style casserole — and elevates it with extra creaminess, better seasoning, and a smoother sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Each bite is rich, warm, and deeply comforting.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for busy days, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving a big bowl of creamy pasta, this dish delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

1. Super creamy without being heavy.
   The combination of cream cheese, broth, and cheddar creates a luscious sauce that’s balanced and flavorful.
2. Family-friendly flavor.
   Mild seasonings and melty cheese make this perfect for picky eaters.
3. Customizable.
   Add veggies, swap meats, or adjust spice levels effortlessly.
4. Easy to prep ahead.
   Can be made one day ahead and baked when ready.
5. Feeds a crowd.
   This casserole-style pasta makes 6–8 servings.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Spaghetti

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz Rotel (mild or original)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter

For Topping

• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Boil spaghetti
   Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until just al dente (1 minute shy of package instructions).
   Drain but do not rinse.

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

A rich, cheesy, comforting chicken spaghetti baked in a creamy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients

  

Spaghetti and Sauce

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded chicken cooked
• 0.5 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 10 oz Rotel mild or original
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter

Topping

• 0.5 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Boil spaghetti until al dente and drain.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in butter until softened.
3. Add chicken and Rotel; stir to combine.
4. Pour in broth and add cream cheese; stir until smooth.
5. Mix in cheddar, mozzarella, and all seasonings.
6. Combine spaghetti with sauce and transfer to 9×13 dish.
7. Top with cheddar and bake 20–25 minutes at 350°F.

Notes

Add extra broth if the mixture seems too thick before baking.

Prepare the Sauce

2. Sauté aromatics
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken + Rotel
   Stir in the shredded chicken and Rotel.
4. Add broth + cream cheese
   Pour in chicken broth and add cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
5. Season well
   Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Melt in cheeses
   Add cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until creamy and fully melted.

Combine Everything

7. Add spaghetti to sauce
   Toss until fully coated and creamy throughout.
8. Transfer to baking dish
   Pour into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.

Bake

9. Top with more cheese
   Sprinkle ½ cup cheddar over top.
10. Bake
    Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish
    Let rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

1. Don’t overcook the spaghetti

It will cook again in the oven.

2. Use fresh shredded cheese

Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

3. Add broth as needed

If the mixture feels too thick, add an extra splash of chicken broth.

4. Make it spicy

Use Rotel Hot or add ¼ tsp cayenne.

5. Meal prep-friendly

Assemble, cover, refrigerate, and bake within 48 hours.

Delicious Variations

• Veggie Version: Add peas, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti: Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce and use Monterey Jack cheese.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and top with jalapeños.
• Bacon Chicken Spaghetti: Add ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli
• Simple Caesar salad
• Roasted veggies

Storage

• Refrigerator: 3–4 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (freeze before baking)
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth to keep creamy