Creamy Chicken Spaghetti: Comforting Family Favorite

Nothing brings the cozy comfort of home cooking quite like a rich, saucy pasta bake. This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe hits just the right notes — creamy, cheesy, with tender chicken and a little kick from garlic and herbs. Let me tell you, it’s one of those dishes that quickly becomes a family favorite once you try it.

The image shows a creamy pasta dish in a white pan with a lot of melted cheese on top, browned in spots. There are layers of spaghetti noodles mixed with mushrooms and green peas, all covered in a thick, white sauce. A woman’s hand is holding a silver serving spoon with a wood handle, lifting some spaghetti and mushrooms from the center of the pan, revealing the tangled noodles under the cheesy top layer. The pan sits on a black marbled surface with a blue and white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly obsessed with this casserole not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s straightforward and forgiving. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish is reliably creamy and packed with flavor.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like cream soups and Parmesan that add richness without fuss.
One-Pot Flavor Boost: Cooking the chicken first in the pot means all those savory bits add depth to the sauce.
Customizable Comfort Food: You can easily swap in veggies or adjust the cheese to suit your cravings.
Great Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully for lunches or busy nights when you need something quick.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe plays its part in creating that luscious texture and balanced flavor. From the juicy chicken to the creamy blend of soups and cheese, it’s all about harmony in the casserole dish.

Flat lay of a large raw boneless skinless chicken breast seasoned with Italian herbs, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small pile of fresh button mushrooms sliced, half a yellow onion diced, three cloves of whole garlic, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl of dry white wine, a small white bowl of sour cream, a small white bowl of whole milk, two small piles of cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup (fresh and dolloped naturally), a small pile of frozen green peas, a portion of uncooked golden spaghetti pasta, a small white bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley arranged neatly on a clean white ceramic plate and bowls, placed 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

Chicken: Using fresh chicken breast seared in the pot adds moisture and a natural meaty flavor to the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a bright herby note to the chicken and overall dish.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crust without sticking.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies nicely.
Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and depth; if you’re not a wine fan, chicken broth can do the trick.
Button Mushrooms: Earthy flavor that balances the creamy sauce and adds nice texture.
Yellow Onion: A mild sweetness that complements garlic and mushrooms.
Garlic: The ultimate flavor enhancer for this creamy, savory bake.
Cream of Chicken & Cream of Mushroom Soup: These soups create that signature creamy base with tons of flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess without heaviness.
Milk: Thins the sauce just enough for easy coating of the spaghetti.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
Frozen Peas: Pops of sweetness and a splash of color.
Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that holds the sauce beautifully; slightly undercooked before baking ensures it finishes perfectly.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, golden topping that makes this casserole irresistibly comforting.
Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that cuts through the richness and adds freshness.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love to make this casserole my own by swapping a few ingredients or adding in whatever veggies I have on hand. Trust me, it’s super flexible and still comes out amazing every time.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out frozen peas for steamed broccoli or roasted red peppers — both add a lovely texture and color.
Dietary Swap: Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free sour cream if you're aiming for a lighter or allergen-friendly version.
Extra Protein: Adding cooked bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken ups the flavor and protein without fuss.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

A close-up view of creamy spaghetti pasta on a white plate, showing many thin spaghetti strands coated in a light beige creamy sauce. There are pieces of chicken and dark brown mushroom slices mixed within the pasta. Small green peas are scattered throughout, adding spots of color. The texture looks smooth and soft, with black pepper sprinkled on top. The plate rests on a black marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Build Flavor

First, slice your chicken breast into two thinner pieces — this helps it cook evenly and faster. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until both sides are golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Don’t rush this part — the golden crust is key for flavor. Once done, set it aside to rest about 10 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces. Tip: Pour any leftover chicken juices back into the pot to boost your sauce’s flavor later.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same pot, then add the white wine to deglaze. Use a spatula to scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom — that’s pure flavor gold. Let the wine gently boil for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, toss in the diced mushrooms and onions, cooking for 5 more minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for just 1 minute to keep it fragrant but avoid bitterness.

Reduce to medium-low heat and add the two cream soups, Parmesan, sour cream, milk, peas, and diced chicken. Stir everything to combine and warm through — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Boil your spaghetti until just al dente — I aim for about 10 minutes, but check your package instructions. Drain the pasta, then return it to the pot. Pour that creamy sauce over the spaghetti and give it a good stir, so every strand is luxuriously coated.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Transfer the saucy spaghetti to a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes. To get that bubbly, golden-brown crust, crank the oven up to 450°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes. When it’s done, let it rest for 5 minutes to set so it slices beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!

Top Tip

From countless casseroles baked to perfection, here are some tips that really saved me — and I promise they’ll help you nail this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe on your first go.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the spaghetti will bake in the oven, slightly undercooking it ensures it doesn’t get mushy.
Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest before chopping keeps it juicy, so all those bites are nice and tender.
Deglaze Like a Pro: Scraping up the fond with the wine adds incredible flavor depth to your sauce, so don’t skip it!
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a richer, more authentic flavor than pre-grated kinds.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

The image shows two close-up views of cooking in a white pot on a black marbled surface. On the left, there are two large pieces of cooked chicken with a golden brown color, seasoned with black herbs and spices, sitting in light brown cooking juices. On the right, sliced brown mushrooms and chopped onions cook together in the same white pot, stirred with a red spatula with a white handle, creating a mix of brown and cream colors with soft, tender textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I swear by a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving. It gives a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery note that balances the rich sauce perfectly. Sometimes, I also toss a little crushed red pepper if we want a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are always simple and light: a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is also a classic pairing if you’re serving hungry guests who want to soak up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins — it feels personal and fancy! Sprinkle a little extra cheese and broil for a minute to get a perfectly golden crust. Plus, adding a few cherry tomatoes on top right before serving gives a burst of freshness and a pretty color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer the oven over the microwave for even warming and to keep the top slightly crisp.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a charm. To freeze, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap after assembling but before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake according to instructions, adding a bit more time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes helps regain that bubbly top. This method keeps the texture and flavor just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using cooked chicken saves time and adds convenience. Just make sure to add it to the sauce at the end to warm through.

What type of pasta works best in this casserole?

Spaghetti is traditional and holds the creamy sauce nicely. You can also use linguine, fettuccine, or another long pasta if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Bring it to room temperature before cooking to ensure even baking.

What can I substitute for the white wine in the sauce?

Chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute that still adds flavor. You can also try a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity if desired.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe enough if you’re craving something warm, comforting, and so satisfying. It’s one of those dishes I always turn to when I want to impress with minimal effort. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s really like a hug on a plate!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way