If comfort food had a champion, it would undoubtedly be the Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, gooey melted cheeses, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all enveloped in a luscious, herb-infused creamy sauce. With just the right amount of seasoning and a golden, bubbly topping, it’s one of those irresistible meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re welcoming guests or craving a filling weeknight treat, this classic casserole never fails to hit the spot and become an instant family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in creating that signature rich, comforting flavor and texture. Every item is simple but essential, casting the perfect spell for a deliciously cheesy, creamy dinner.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Broken in half for easy tossing and perfect layering in the casserole.
- 1 3/4 cups milk: Use 1%, 2%, or whole milk for creaminess; skim milk won’t give the rich texture needed.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock: Adds savory depth to the sauce’s base.
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: For thickening the creamy sauce to just the right consistency.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: The base fat that helps build flavor and richness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle savory punch without overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that warm, inviting, garlicky aroma in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Lends a pleasant herbal note that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy balance to the herbs.
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A light bite of spice to round out the savory notes.
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme: An aromatic herb that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Incorporated into the sauce and sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish.
- 2 1/2 cups shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into gooey perfection and forms that irresistible golden crust.
- 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken: The hearty protein that makes this dish satisfying and complete.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness when serving.
How to Make Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9X13-inch baking pan. This simple prep step ensures your cozy casserole will bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite to it, not mushy. Drain the pasta and run your fingers through the noodles a few times to separate them as they cool. This prevents clumping later and creates a better texture in the final dish.
Step 3: Blend the Milk, Broth, and Flour
Pour the milk, chicken broth, and flour into a blender and pulse until smooth. This step ensures your sauce thickens perfectly without lumps, setting the stage for that silky, dreamy cheese sauce everyone loves in this Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 4: Sauté the Spices
Return your empty pasta pot to medium heat and melt the butter. Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir constantly for about 30 to 45 seconds until the spices become fragrant and begin to sizzle, unlocking their full flavor potential.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Slowly pour in the blended milk mixture while whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, whisking often, until it thickens. This usually takes 3 to 4 minutes and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon—a perfect canvas for the cheese.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of your Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper to make sure every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 7: Mix in Spaghetti and Chicken
In a large bowl or back in the pot, combine the sauce with the cooked spaghetti and chopped chicken. Toss until every noodle and piece of chicken is lavishly coated with cheesy sauce. This ensures each serving is loaded with flavor and creaminess.
Step 8: Bake Your Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan and cheddar cheeses across the top, then pop it into the oven. Baking for 20 to 25 minutes lets the flavors meld and the cheese topping develop that golden, bubbly crust that makes this Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh, chopped parsley on top immediately before serving adds that lovely pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness to cut through the cheese richness. It’s a small touch that makes a big impression. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty, so pairing it with fresh, simple sides works best. A crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic companion to mop up any remaining cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or family gatherings. Another fun idea is to layer the components in a large clear casserole dish so your guests can see all the cheesy, saucy noodles and chicken before baking — it’s almost too good to wait for!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure the casserole has cooled down to room temperature before sealing to keep that cheesy texture intact.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully for easy future meals. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or freeze the whole casserole before baking. When frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a lifesaver for busy days when you want homemade comfort without the effort.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly again, usually about 20 minutes. If in a hurry, microwave individual portions but cover loosely to keep moisture in. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps maintain that creamy sauce texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds great flavor to the Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. Just shred or chop it and toss it in as directed.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp or medium cheddar provides the classic gooey, melty texture, while Parmesan adds salty depth. You could experiment with Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a twist, but the original combo is hard to beat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based chicken substitute to keep things hearty and satisfying.
Is it okay to use whole wheat spaghetti?
Of course! Whole wheat spaghetti works fine and adds a nutty flavor plus extra fiber, making this comfort dish a bit healthier without sacrificing taste.
How thick should the sauce be before adding the cheese?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. It will continue to thicken once the cheese melts and during baking, so aim for a nice creamy consistency at this stage.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm embrace with every forkful, the Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and comforting pasta that’s great for feeding a crowd or simply making weeknight dinners extra special. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites in your recipe rotation!
Print
Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, creamy pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, a rich cheese sauce made from cheddar and Parmesan, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This hearty dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it an ideal family-friendly meal perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
Cheese Sauce
- 1 3/4 cups milk (preferably 1%, 2%, or whole milk)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 1/2 cups shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Chicken and Garnish
- 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, then lift and separate the noodles a few times to prevent sticking as they cool. Do not wash the pot; if needed, wipe it dry for next steps.
- Blend Milk Mixture: In a blender, combine the milk, chicken broth, and all-purpose flour. Process until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
- Sauté Spices in Butter: Return the cleaned pot to medium heat. Melt the salted butter, then stir in onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds, stirring frequently, until the spices release their aroma and begin to sizzle.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour the blended milk mixture into the pot. Bring to a simmer while whisking constantly to combine. Continue cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large bowl or the same pot, add the cooked spaghetti and chopped chicken. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles and chicken evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Pan: Spread the cheesy chicken and pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses (1/4 cup Parmesan and 1/2 cup cheddar) evenly over the top.
- Bake and Serve: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use 1%, 2%, or whole milk for the best creamy texture; skim milk may result in a thinner sauce.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning after adding cheese to balance saltiness.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using smoked cheddar cheese.
- If preferred, substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
- To keep noodles from sticking before mixing with sauce, tossing them with a little olive oil after draining can help.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
