Name: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces dry spaghetti pasta (about 3/4 of the box); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10 ounces each, undiluted – do not add water); 1 can ROTEL (10 ounces, undrained); 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast; Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting dinner that the whole family will rave about, you’ve got to try my Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe. This dish is the perfect blend of tender rotisserie chicken, melty Mexican cheese, and the tangy kick of ROTEL tomatoes—all baked into a cozy casserole that’s easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tried-and-true tips to make sure your cheesy chicken spaghetti turns out perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Weeknight Meal: It comes together in under an hour with simple pantry staples and rotisserie chicken.
Family Favorite: My kids and friends always ask for seconds when I make this.
Perfectly Creamy & Cheesy: Thanks to the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Mexican cheese blend, every bite is rich and comforting.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasoning or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.

In the image, there is a white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy pasta that has a thick layer of melted yellow cheese on top. The pasta is visible under the cheese, showing a mix of white noodles and small pieces of light brown and pinkish ingredients, likely meat. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a touch of color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl of chopped green herbs placed to the side and a blue and white striped cloth nearby. The top of the pasta has a slightly shiny texture from the cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake, chicken spaghetti casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, easy chicken bake, family dinner recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really happens when you combine classic comfort ingredients that balance creaminess, spice, and melty cheese—all holding together a big pile of spaghetti pasta. Here’s a little scoop on why these come together so well and a few tips for finding the best versions.

Flat lay of dry spaghetti pasta nest, two cans of cream of chicken soup opened with creamy soup visible, a small white bowl of diced fresh red and green tomatoes with jalapeños (representing Rotel), a small white bowl of thick sour cream, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with shredded Mexican cheese blend, a small white bowl of mixed garlic powder and onion powder, a small white bowl containing coarse salt and black pepper, a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, a small pile of shredded rotisserie chicken breast, and a small white ceramic dish with freshly chopped parsley, all arranged symmetrically and proportionately on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake, chicken spaghetti casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, easy chicken bake, family dinner recipes

Spaghetti pasta: I prefer around 12 ounces because it gives the perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio; cook it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Cream of chicken soup: Undiluted is key here to keep the sauce thick and creamy without getting watery.
ROTEL (diced tomatoes and green chilies): Use the undrained can—this adds a subtle kick and a fresh tomato flavor.
Sour cream: It adds just the right tangy creaminess that balances out the cheese beautifully.
Low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Mexican cheese blend: Divided usage helps keep the cheese melty on top and mixed throughout.
Garlic powder & onion powder: I always keep these in my pantry because they add that savory depth so easily.
Salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes: Season smartly; the crushed red pepper adds a subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish.
Shredded rotisserie chicken breast: It’s a total time saver for this recipe and adds juicy, tender chicken pieces.
Fresh chopped parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that makes this casserole look—and taste—even better.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this cheesy chicken spaghetti bake is a blank canvas to tweak according to what you have on hand or what mood you’re in. Whether you want to make it spicier, add veggies, or lighten it up, there’s room for fun. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up:

Add Veggies: When I first tried adding sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms, it bumped the flavor and nutrition up a notch without complicating the process.
Swap the Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie turkey after the holidays or even cooked ground chicken if you’re short on time.
Make it Spicy: Double the ROTEL or add a dash of hot sauce—I do this when I want an extra kick and it never disappoints.
Lighten it Up: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese for a leaner version that still feels indulgent.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray—trust me, this saves you from any stubborn cheese sticking to the pan later. Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions, but stop just shy of fully soft—think al dente, because it’ll finish cooking in the oven with the sauce. Drain really well, tossing it just a tiny bit with a little oil if you want to avoid noodles sticking together while you prep the sauce.

Step 2: Combine Your Creamy Sauce and Mix It All Up

Next, grab the pot reserved from cooking your pasta and add the two cans of cream of chicken soup, undrained ROTEL, sour cream, chicken broth, and 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and that pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until it’s completely combined and smooth. Now fold in your cooked spaghetti and the shredded rotisserie chicken carefully—you want every strand coated to soak up all that cheesy, spicy goodness.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pour your cheesy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of Mexican cheese blend on top—this will give you that irresistible golden crust. Cover the dish with nonstick aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the cheese has melted. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese gets nicely browned but doesn’t burn. When it’s bubbling and golden, your cheesy chicken spaghetti bake is ready!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the noodles don’t get mushy after baking—a mistake I made my first time!
Use Undiluted Soup: Adding water will thin your sauce too much so be sure to use it straight from the can.
Reserve Some Cheese for the Top: That golden crust is what brings the whole dish together perfectly.
Let It Rest Briefly: After baking, let the dish sit 5-10 mins—it helps set the sauce for easier serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

A white round plate with a brown rim holds creamy pasta with a thick light yellow sauce. The pasta strands are long and twisted, mixed with small chunks of light brown meat and garnished with fresh green parsley leaves scattered on top. A silver fork is placed on the right side of the plate, partially covered by pasta. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a blue and white striped cloth folded nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake, chicken spaghetti casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, easy chicken bake, family dinner recipes

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note that balances the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a little drizzle of hot sauce or a few sliced green onions works wonders too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides to serve with this bake are a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette and some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The freshness cuts through the richness so nicely. Garlic bread is a no-brainer too, especially if you’ve got carb lovers around the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to put this casserole into individual ramekins and bake them separately—everyone loves having their own little personal cheesy chicken spaghetti bake. It’s also great layered with alternating pasta and chicken layers for a vertical presentation that’s sure to impress at potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I usually pop mine into glass containers for easy reheating, and portion sizes make it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well too! I freeze it before baking by covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual—just add 10-15 minutes to the bake time to make sure it’s heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, I find baking in a 350°F oven works best to keep the cheese melty and prevent drying out. About 15-20 minutes covered with foil, uncover at the end for a few minutes to get that fresh-baked texture back.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate it for a day or two before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.
Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Any cooked, shredded chicken works great—whether it’s leftover roast chicken, grilled, or poached. Just make sure it’s well shredded for even distribution.
Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick thanks to the ROTEL tomatoes and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, but nothing too overwhelming. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or skipping the red pepper.
Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can swap spaghetti with penne, rotini, or any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust cooking time as necessary, and keep it al dente for best results.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe turns out every single time—it’s truly a comfort food that feels special but comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for that easy dinner to impress friends without stress, this casserole hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Give it a shot, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen just like it did in mine!