Description

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked pasta dish featuring shredded chicken, spaghetti, and a rich cheesy sauce. Perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, it combines tender pasta with a luscious blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan, all baked to golden perfection for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 cups shredded chicken (use leftover rotisserie chicken)
16 oz spaghetti (or substitute with penne or fettuccine)
4 cups creamy sauce (homemade or vegan)
2 cups cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
8 oz cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and gather all the ingredients so they’re ready to use.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and creamy sauce. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Incorporate minced garlic now if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top for a thick cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool and set for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it thicken slightly for easier serving and better texture.

Notes

You can substitute the spaghetti for other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine if preferred.
For a creamier texture, include the optional cream cheese when mixing the sauce and chicken.
Garlic is optional but adds a nice flavor layer; sauté it lightly before adding if preferred.
If you want a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use a vegan creamy sauce and cheese.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, chicken casserole, baked pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe