This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Tender shredded chicken combines with cheesy pasta and a rich, flavorful sauce, baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s easy to make, versatile, and hits all the cozy food cravings I love.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you like)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup for a twist)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13" baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Stir in the shredded chicken and diced bell peppers if using.
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture until everything is well-coated.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley before serving for a fresh finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people. Prep time takes roughly 15 minutes, and the baking time is about 25-30 minutes, making the total time around 45 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I like to switch things up by adding a can of green chilies for a little heat or tossing in sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. For a crunchy contrast, sprinkling breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking creates a crispy golden topping I can’t resist.
Storage/reheating
I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but I prefer the oven to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta besides spaghetti?
Absolutely! I’ve made this casserole with penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni — any pasta shape that holds sauce well works great.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, I substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and make sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. I sometimes assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready, I bake it a bit longer, around 35-40 minutes, to ensure it’s hot throughout.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk can be a good substitute, or you can use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
How do I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, I swap the cheeses and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free creamy soup or homemade sauce. The flavor will be different but still tasty.
Conclusion
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy solo dinner, it delivers every time. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a reliable classic I always enjoy making and sharing.
Recipe:

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish with tender shredded chicken, cheesy pasta, and a rich sauce baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you like)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup for a twist)
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup milk
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13" baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and ½ cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and diced bell peppers if using.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture until everything is well-coated.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
You can add green chilies, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach for extra flavor.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat covered with foil in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings.
Substitute gluten-free pasta and soup for a gluten-free version.
To make dairy-free, use plant-based cheese, sour cream, and creamy soup alternatives.
Can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it longer when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg