Name: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: Creamy & Cheesy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti (broken into thirds); 3 –4 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 onion + 1 bell pepper (diced); 3 cloves garlic; 1 can Rotel (undrained); 1 can cream of mushroom + 1 can cream of chicken soup; 2 cups chicken broth; 3 cups shredded cheddar (divided); ½ cup Parmesan; Ritz cracker or panko topping

Introduction

Table of Contents

This is the ultimate Southern-style chicken spaghetti casserole—tender spaghetti and chicken baked in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce with just the right kick of Rotel and bell pepper. It’s the dish that shows up at every potluck and disappears first. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish with a golden, bubbly top, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheddar, this casserole offers pure cozy vibes and feeds a hungry crowd without fuss.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (9×13 dish, serves 8–10): • 1 lb spaghetti, broken into thirds
• 3–4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (mild or original), undrained
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Optional: ½ tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes

For Topping: • ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko + 2 tbsp melted butter

Step-by-Step Process

Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Cook spaghetti in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions (it will finish in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Sauté vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Build the sauce
Stir in Rotel, both soups, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups of cheddar and all the Parmesan until melted.
Combine everything
In a huge bowl (or the pasta pot), mix cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and the creamy sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble
Pour half the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheddar. Add the remaining mixture and top with the last ½ cup of cheddar.
Add crunchy topping
Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and scatter over the top.
Bake & serve
Bake uncovered 35–40 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving—the sauce thickens perfectly.

Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes—prevents mushy casserole
• Use rotisserie chicken—saves time and adds flavor
• Make it a day ahead—flavors get even better overnight
• Freeze unbaked or baked—both work beautifully
• Double the cheese on top if you want an extra gooey lid
• Add a can of drained mushrooms or sliced water chestnuts for texture

Variations and Customization

• Spicy Kick: use hot Rotel + extra cayenne
• Veggie-Packed: add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms
• Lightened-Up: use reduced-fat soups + 2% milk cheese
• Tex-Mex: swap cheddar for pepper jack + add black beans
• Buffalo Chicken: Use buffalo sauce instead of Rotel
• Deluxe: stir in 8 oz cream cheese for ultra-creaminess

Storage and Serving Tips

• Tastes better on day 2—perfect make-ahead meal
• Fridge up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freezer up to 3 months (cover tightly)
• Reheat covered at 325°F 25–30 min until hot
• Quick refresh: broil 2–3 minutes for crispy top
• Serve with garlic bread and green salad

Nutritional Information

Based on 10 servings:

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 32g
Total Fat: 26g (Saturated 13g)
Carbohydrates: 44g

Conclusion

This chicken spaghetti casserole is pure, unapologetic comfort—the one dish that makes kids and grown-ups alike go back for thirds. Creamy, cheesy, with just enough kick from the Rotel, it’s the casserole people request by name. Make it once, and it will become your signature “I’ve got dinner covered” move for years to come.