Looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and easy to make from scratch? This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is just what you need! Featuring tender spaghetti noodles coated in a luscious three-cheese sauce — made with cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella — this dish is rich, flavorful, and made without a single can of soup.
Rotel tomatoes add a pop of color and just the right amount of zest, perfectly balancing out the creamy cheese sauce. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
Serve it with a side of my Garlic Bread with Cheese and try my Spaghetti Pie next — both are reader favorites!
🍝 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti
- Creamy 3-cheese sauce made from scratch — no canned soup!
- Perfect for using leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
- Comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor
- Easy to customize with extra veggies or spice
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Spaghetti:
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked chicken)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10 oz diced tomatoes & green chilies (like Rotel)
- ½ lb thin spaghetti
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Red pepper flakes & fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken Spaghetti
1. Cook the Chicken (Optional)
If using fresh chicken, season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside, then dice once cool. (You can also skip this step and use rotisserie or leftover chicken.)
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth a little at a time, then add milk. Continue stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy. Lower the heat, then add shredded cheddar and stir until smooth.
3. Combine Everything
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked chicken, and drained spaghetti noodles. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
If your pan isn’t oven-safe, transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Bake and Serve
Top the spaghetti with shredded mozzarella and bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. For a bubbly, golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at 475°F, watching closely.
Finish with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley for a pop of color and spice.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti
- Shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before adding cheddar to prevent curdling or graininess.
- Thin spaghetti works best, but regular or angel hair also do well.
- This recipe is perfect for rotisserie chicken — quick, easy, and flavorful!
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely, cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🍽️ What to Serve With Chicken Spaghetti
- Garlic Bread with Cheese – the ultimate sidekick for soaking up that creamy sauce
- Roasted Vegetables or a crisp Italian salad
- A simple glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon for balance
⭐ Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Servings: 6
This creamy, cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is made with tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich three-cheese sauce — all from scratch, no canned soup needed! It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.