Description
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, and a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup and Rotel tomatoes, it’s baked until bubbly and golden on top. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines classic Southern charm with a spicy kick from the diced green chilies.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (340g, uncooked)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Protein
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Canned Goods & Seasonings
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz / 284 ml)
- 1 can ROTEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (10 oz / 284 ml)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, and set the spaghetti aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onion and green pepper, cooking them for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Mix Sauce and Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, undrained ROTEL tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked shredded chicken and the sautéed vegetables to this mixture and stir well to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce mixture and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired creaminess.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the coated spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, consider using extra ROTEL or adding a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat baked spaghetti in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern