Name: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half; 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great); 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained; 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom soup; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or milk); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

The Comfort Food Hug We All Need

Hey friends! Let’s be real for a second. We love those fresh, vibrant nights with grilled lemon herb chicken and quinoa or light Mediterranean wraps, but sometimes? Sometimes you just need cheese. Lots of it.

This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the culinary equivalent of a weighted blanket. It’s warm, creamy, a little spicy, and unapologetically rich. It’s the dish I make when I need to feed a crowd, comfort a friend, or just survive a rainy Tuesday. It’s not fancy, but it is famous in my house for vanishing in record time.

Why You Will Crave It

This recipe is the ultimate “low effort, high reward” dinner. It uses rotisserie chicken to save time, and the sauce is a velvety blend of Velveeta and cream soups that coats every strand of pasta. The addition of Rotel tomatoes gives it just enough kick to cut through the richness, preventing it from being one-note.

Unlike my baked feta cod, which is all about distinct roasted components, this casserole is about melding everything into one gooey, bubbly masterpiece. It’s easy chicken spaghetti at its finest—the kind that tastes even better as leftovers the next day.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Perfection

You don’t need a fancy grocery run for this. It’s all pantry heroes:

Spaghetti: Break it in half before boiling so it’s easier to mix and eat.
Cooked Chicken: A rotisserie chicken is perfect here (shred about 3-4 cups). If you have leftover shawarma chicken, that adds a fun spice twist!
Velveeta Cheese: I know, I know. But for chicken spaghetti recipe with velveeta, nothing else melts as smoothly. Cube it up so it melts faster.
Rotel Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chilies. Grab “Mild” for kids or “Hot” if you’re brave.
Cream Soups: I use one can of Cream of Chicken and one can of Cream of Mushroom for depth.
Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
Shredded Cheese: A sharp cheddar topping gives you that bubbling, golden crust.

How to Assemble This Crowd-Pleaser

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Boil your spaghetti in salted water until it’s al dente. Don’t overcook it! It will keep cooking in the oven. Drain it well.

Step 3: While the pasta boils, make the magic sauce. In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-low heat, combine the cubed Velveeta, both cream soups, Rotel (undrained!), and 1/2 cup of chicken broth or milk.

Step 4: Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. It should look creamy and irresistible. Stir in your onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.

Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the cheese sauce. Toss it all together until every noodle is coated. It’s messy, but that’s the fun part.

Step 6: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before scooping (if you can wait that long).

Ways to Jazz It Up

Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms add texture. I sometimes stir in spinach just to feel a little healthier.
Spice It Up: If you love the bold flavors of my Turkish spiced meatballs, try adding a teaspoon of cumin or chili powder to the sauce.
Crunchy Topping: Crushed crackers or fried onions on top add a great crunch contrast to the creamy pasta.
Serve With: A crisp green salad to balance the heaviness. Use the dressing from my Mason Jar Greek Salad for a zesty side that cuts the richness perfectly.

Your New Weeknight Savior

This baked chicken spaghetti is the dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. It freezes beautifully, feeds an army, and makes the whole house smell like comfort. Give it a try, and get ready to add it to your permanent rotation!