Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Welcome to a cherished taste of the South! This Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe brings warmth, flavor, and tradition right to your dinner table. It’s the quintessential comfort food, blending tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce into one immensely satisfying dish. Forget complicated cooking; this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Get ready to enjoy a beloved family favorite with simple, wholesome ingredients and minimal fuss.

A time-honored casserole, chicken spaghetti has a rich history as a Southern comfort food, often appearing at potlucks and family meals. Learn more about the origins of Southern chicken spaghetti.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll quickly adore this Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for so many reasons, making it an instant favorite. It makes cooking enjoyable, stress-free, and incredibly rewarding.

• Effortless Family Meal: This recipe provides a simple, delicious solution that everyone at the table will love, even the pickiest eaters.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Each rich and creamy bite delivers a warm, satisfying hug, perfect for any occasion.
• Perfect for Gatherings: It easily scales up to feed a crowd, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, church dinners, or family celebrations.
• Highly Customizable: Adapt the flavors and ingredients to suit your family’s unique preferences, from adding spice to different vegetables.
• Clever Leftover Solution: It’s an excellent way to transform leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken into a brand-new, exciting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 12 ounces spaghetti, broken into thirds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Notes & Substitutions

Crafting the perfect Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe starts with quality ingredients you likely already have. Feel free to adjust based on what’s available in your pantry or fridge. For the essential cooked chicken, leftover roasted chicken or a convenient rotisserie chicken works beautifully, offering rich flavor and saving precious time. You can also poach and shred chicken breasts.

While spaghetti is classic, feel free to use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni if those are your preference or what you have on hand. For the creamy base, traditional cream of mushroom soup lends a distinctive Southern taste, but cream of chicken soup works equally well if you prefer.

Elevate the cheese factor by experimenting with different types beyond sharp cheddar, such as Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, Colby for a milder note, or a zesty Mexican blend for a touch of spice. And don’t hesitate to toss in extra vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots for added texture, color, and nutritional boost to this delightful dish.

Beyond its culinary uses, olive oil offers numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health and providing essential fatty acids. Discover more about the health benefits of olive oil.

Equipment

Gathering your kitchen tools beforehand makes preparation smooth. For this Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, you’ll need a few essentials. Have a large mixing bowl ready for combining ingredients. A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for baking this hearty casserole. You’ll also need a large pot to cook your pasta, a skillet for sautéing vegetables, and a cutting board with a sharp knife for prep work.

Instructions

Creating your delicious Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a straightforward process, even for beginners. Follow these steps carefully for a perfect, comforting meal.

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti, broken into thirds for easier mixing. Cook according to package directions until al dente, meaning still firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole. Drain thoroughly and set aside, ready for your Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
2. Prepare for Baking: While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving from the dish.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, building the robust flavor foundation.
4. Combine Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, the entire can of undrained Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth, forming the rich base of your Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
5. Integrate Ingredients: Add the cooked, shredded chicken and the sautéed vegetables into the large mixing bowl with the creamy sauce. Gently fold everything together to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
6. Add Pasta to Mixture: Now, carefully incorporate the drained spaghetti into the chicken and sauce mixture. Use tongs or a large spoon to mix it thoroughly. Ensure the pasta is completely coated with the delicious sauce; this creates the satisfying heart of your rich Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
7. Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire spaghetti mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Generously sprinkle one and a half cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy your incredible Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Mastering your Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is simple with these pointers. Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded or diced evenly for optimal texture. When cooking pasta, aim for al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven and prevent mushiness. To enhance flavor, scrape any browned bits, or ‘fond,’ from the skillet after sautéing vegetables.

Taste and adjust seasonings before baking; a pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference. If the casserole seems dry, a splash of extra chicken broth or a bit more soup can restore moisture. For a wonderfully crispy cheese topping, you can sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with a fresh green salad. Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping. Steamed green beans also make a great accompaniment to this hearty meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2-3 months. Reheat individual servings in the microwave. For larger portions, cover and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Variations

Add cayenne pepper for heat or extra veggies like mushrooms or corn. Experiment with different shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. For a crunchy texture, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers over the top before baking.

Nutrition

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods. This Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe provides a hearty serving of protein, carbohydrates, and essential fats, designed to be a satisfying and fulfilling meal. For precise dietary needs and personalized calculations, consider using a dedicated nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients and portion sizes you consume.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe truly embodies comfort, heartwarming flavors, and Southern hospitality in every single bite. It’s a wonderfully easy, deeply satisfying, and highly adaptable dish, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying on a cozy evening. With its rich, creamy textures and classic taste, it’s sure to become a cherished family favorite for years to come. We genuinely encourage you to try this delightful recipe soon and experience the comforting warmth it brings to your table. Happy cooking, everyone!

Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made with tender chicken, Rotel, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, it’s hearty, easy to prepare, and always a crowd favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Southern Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot for cooking spaghetti
• large skillet for sautéing vegetables
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Cutting board & sharp knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
• 12 ounces spaghetti broken into thirds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided

Instructions

 

• Cook the Spaghetti:
• Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Preheat Oven:
• Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Sauté Vegetables:
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery.
• Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Make the Sauce:
• In a large bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, Rotel, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Combine Ingredients:
• Add cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the sauce. Stir well.
• Add Pasta:
• Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti until evenly coated.
• Assemble:
• Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1½ cups cheese.
• Bake:
• Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top during the last 10 minutes for an extra melty finish.
• Rest & Serve:
• Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

 

• Use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
• Substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if desired.
• Try other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
• Mix in extra veggies like peas, corn, or diced carrots for color and nutrition.
• Pasta swaps: rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni all work well.

Keyword Baked chicken pasta, Cheesy chicken spaghetti, Chicken spaghetti recipe, Classic Southern recipes, Creamy chicken casserole, Easy Southern comfort food, Rotel chicken spaghetti, Southern chicken casserole