I’m a big fan of any casserole, so trust me when I say this baked chicken spaghetti recipe is on another level. Loads of cheese, shredded chicken, and spaghetti cooked in a silky-smooth sauce for a unique baked dish that is always a huge hit. It might seem like this recipe has a lot going on, but each ingredient adds flavor and texture without overpowering the dish. It’s that casserole magic, my friend. ✨Perfect for a weeknight meal or as a gift for a friend in need, this is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself going back to time and time again.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Bake Chicken Spaghetti
Prep the Main Ingredients
Spaghetti – Boil the spaghetti in a large pot, according to box instructions. Drain and set aside.Season and Sear Chicken – Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat up a Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot or pan. Next, add the chicken, cooking it for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until it is cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. (Photos 1-3)Veggies – Heat butter or oil in a skillet or pot over medium heat. Then, add onions, garlic, thyme, and Creole seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions wilt. Throw in the tomatoes and bell pepper and continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes. (Photos 4-5)The Roux – Next, stir in the flour until it soaks up all the butter or oil, about a minute. (Photos 6-7)Sauce – Gradually stir in the evaporated milk and broth. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes or until it thickens and bubbles. (Photo 8)Add Cheese – Finally, add all the cheese and stir until everything’s melted and evenly combined and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. (Photos 9-10)
Assemble and Bake
Mix Spaghetti and Chicken – Add the spaghetti and chicken to the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. (Photos 11-12)Assemble – Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a pan or into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. (Photos 13-14)Bake at 350 Degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. (Photo 15)
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can literally store this casserole, unbaked, in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply thaw it out in the fridge the night before you’ll use it and allow it to reach room temperature before you bake it the day of.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve this casserole hot out of the oven! It’s best when the cheese and sauce are still gloriously melty. Garnish it with chopped parsley and some red pepper flakes if you dare. Store leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep for 3-5 days. To reheat leftovers, pop the casserole back in the oven on a low heat setting for 15-20 minutes. You can also just microwave it, which is my reheating method of choice for this recipe.
What Goes With Baked Chicken Spaghetti
I like to serve this dish with traditional spaghetti sides. Homemade garlic bread and a wedge salad are my go-to sides. You could certainly get creative, though. Try it with bacon broccoli salad, sweet potato salad, or pea salad on the side. Anything fresh and crunchy is going to balance well with the rich, creamy cheese sauce. 😋
More Hearty Casserole Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Get ready to try your new favorite comfort food. I already know your family is going to love this one. Already tried it? Let me know your best tips and tricks for a perfect baked chicken casserole in the comment section below. I can’t wait to hear from you. 🫶
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”SK0UYQ0s” upload-date=”2022-10-11T21:59:01.000Z” name=”BAKED CHICKEN SPAGHETTI.mp4″ description=”Baked Chicken Spaghetti is a flavor-packed, cheesy, soul-satisfying recipe and has everything you could ever want in a casserole. Cheese, chicken, and pasta create a super easy midweek dinner.” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”] This blog post was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.
