Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, then you absolutely have to try my Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe. This dish is one of those weeknight heroes that comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and feeds a hungry crowd with ease. I love this because it hits all the right notes—melty cheese, tender chicken, and just the right bit of spice from ROTEL. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through how to nail it every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe come together like the ultimate comfort food squad. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture, and the best part is—you don’t need anything fancy! When shopping, I always pick a good-quality rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing taste.

• Spaghetti pasta: Go for regular spaghetti, cooked al dente so it holds its shape after baking.
• Cream of chicken soup: Use undiluted canned soup for that creamy, rich base.
• ROTEL (diced tomatoes and green chilies): Adds a subtle spicy kick and brightens the dish.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess, balancing the cheese beautifully.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist without overwhelming saltiness.
• Mexican cheese blend: I recommend shredded bags with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla.
• Garlic powder: For that cozy warmth in every bite.
• Onion powder: A mild, mellow flavor boost.
• Salt and black pepper: Season carefully—remember some cheese is salty!
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle heat, feel free to skip or up the spice.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken breast: Already cooked, which makes the prep super quick.
• Fresh chopped parsley: For garnish and fresh color at the end.

Variations

I love that this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is so easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to personalize it a bit—it’ll still come out creamy and delicious!

• Make it spicy: When I want a bit more heat, I add extra ROTEL or a dash of cayenne pepper. My husband loves it this way!
• Use different cheese: Try swapping in pepper jack or even mozzarella for a different cheesy vibe.
• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a veggie medley for a hearty meatless option.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep it accessible for everyone.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook Your Pasta

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and give your 9×13 baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray—this helps that melty goodness release easily later. Then cook your spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. I always taste a strand about a minute before the timer; it should be tender but with a little bite, so it doesn’t get mushy in the bake. Drain it well and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

Using the same pot you cooked the pasta in (less cleanup, yay!), combine the cream of chicken soups, ROTEL with juices, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir that up until it’s nice and smooth—this sauce is what brings all the flavors together in that perfect, creamy way.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Fold the cooked spaghetti and shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce until everything is evenly coated. This part makes me smile because the cheesy sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta — total comfort overload.

Step 4: Bake It Up

Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top for that irresistible golden crust. Cover it tightly with nonstick foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another 5 to 10 minutes to get the cheese all bubbly and just starting to brown. You’ll know it’s done when you get those delicious little crispy edges—my favorite part!

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Once baked, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. The green pop adds brightness and a fresh contrast to all that cheesy goodness. Serve warm, grab your favorite plate, and get ready for compliments.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish mine with fresh parsley—it brightens the plate and cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top or add a few fresh tomato slices for color when entertaining. It makes the dish feel a little fancier without adding fuss.

Side Dishes

This bake is hearty, so I like pairing it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread also makes a perfect side if you want to keep it all comforting and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve served this in individual ramekins sprinkled with a little extra cheese and broiled quickly for a bubbly top. It’s a cozy look that impresses guests and keeps portion control in check. You can even garnish with sliced jalapeños or a swirl of sour cream for extra personality.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating to refresh that creamy texture.

Freezing

This cheesy chicken spaghetti bake freezes really well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual—super convenient!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly. You can also microwave portions on medium power, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe has become one of those recipes I reach for whenever I want to impress friends or feed my family something cozy without a lot of fuss. What I love most is how you can customize it, freeze it, and still get that wonderful cheesy, comforting feeling that makes everyone happy. I hope you enjoy this as much as we do—that melty cheese and tender chicken combo just can’t be beat. Now, grab that rotisserie chicken and get baking—you’re going to love it!

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