Name: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 340 g (12 oz) spaghetti pasta; 3 cups (450 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped (150 g); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (120 g); 2 cups (480 ml) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream; 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a comforting oven-baked dish made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s the kind of cozy, family-friendly meal that feels special but is simple enough for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together classic flavors in one satisfying casserole. It’s hearty, creamy, and cheesy without being complicated. You can prepare it ahead of time, customize it with your favorite vegetables, and serve it to a crowd with confidence. It’s also a great way to use leftover cooked chicken while still delivering a freshly baked meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

spaghetti pasta – 340 g (12 oz)
cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced – 3 cups (about 450 g)
olive oil – 1 tablespoon
onion, finely chopped – 1 medium (about 150 g)
garlic, minced – 3 cloves
red bell pepper, diced – 1 medium (about 120 g)
cream of mushroom soup – 2 cups (480 ml)
sour cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
whole milk – 1/2 cup (120 ml)
salt – 1 teaspoon
black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
paprika – 1 teaspoon
garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups (200 g)
shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup (100 g)
fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tablespoons

Directions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set it aside.

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the cooked chicken and stir until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and gently mix until everything is evenly combined.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 50 minutes

Variations

You can add vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or spinach to increase the nutritional value. For a slightly spicy version, add a pinch of chili flakes or diced mild green chilies. Using rotisserie-style cooked chicken is a great time-saver, and you can also mix different cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack for a new flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 170°C (325°F) covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can add a splash of milk before reheating to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.

What type of chicken works best?

Cooked chicken breast works best, but chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor.

Can I freeze this spaghetti bake?

Yes, freeze it unbaked or baked in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Make sure the sauce is creamy before baking and cover with foil if reheating in the oven.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well as substitutes for spaghetti.

Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

You can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely, feel free to increase the cheese amounts if you prefer a cheesier bake.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this casserole.

Can I cook this in a smaller dish?

Yes, just ensure the dish is deep enough to hold the mixture without overflowing.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be bubbly and lightly golden, and the center should be hot throughout.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a reliable, comforting recipe that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, flexible with ingredients, and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals you can count on.