Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a luscious creamy sauce baked to bubbly cheesy perfection. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of savory and comforting flavors that make this bake an unbeatable crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe promises both ease and irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that dance together in every forkful. From the fragrant basil to the gooey cheeses, these components are the foundation of your creamy chicken spaghetti masterpiece.

• Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers: These create a crispy golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
• Unsalted butter: Added to the topping, it helps achieve that perfect buttery crunch.
• Dried basil: A subtle herb that adds depth and a touch of earthiness to the dish.
• Kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors in the bake without overwhelming them.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican, Gruyere, or blend): Melts into creamy goodness inside and bakes into a bubbly, savory crust on top.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté onions and garlic, infusing the dish with a gentle richness.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture after softening in the pan.
• Garlic: Provides a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
• Chicken broth or stock: The liquid base that infuses the spaghetti with flavor as it cooks.
• Water: Helps cook the spaghetti perfectly without diluting flavors.
• Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
• Dry spaghetti: Broken into thirds for easy baking, it’s the hearty pasta base of the dish.
• Fresh chopped basil: Freshness that brightens the creamy sauce and adds inviting color.
• Diced tomatoes and green chilies: Bring a hint of acidity and a touch of mild heat for balance.
• Cream of mushroom soup: The secret ingredient that makes the sauce irresistibly silky and rich.
• Shredded cooked chicken: Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned to complement the creamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by adjusting your oven rack to the middle position and preheating it to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, which ensures your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté Onions for Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the finely diced yellow onion. Let it soften and turn translucent while stirring occasionally – this step releases the onion’s natural sweetness, forming the flavorful base of your sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic to Enhance Aroma

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, making sure it doesn’t brown. This step is key because garlic infuses the sauce with an irresistible, comforting aroma that hints at the delicious meal ahead.

Step 4: Deglaze With Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This technique ensures every bit of taste is captured, building complexity in your creamy sauce.

Step 5: Season and Bring to a Boil

Add water, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, stirring well before bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Proper seasoning here is crucial to balance the creaminess and brighten the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Cook Spaghetti to Al Dente

Break your dry spaghetti into thirds and add it to the boiling broth. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook until just al dente, following package directions for timing. This method allows the pasta to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.

Step 7: Incorporate Key Ingredients

Fold in fresh chopped basil, diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cooked chicken, and 1¼ cups of shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined, creating that creamy, cheesy base you crave.

Step 8: Bring to a Simmer and Remove From Heat

Bring the mixture gently to a low boil for a moment, then take it off the heat. This step helps meld the flavors while preventing the dairy from curdling, keeping your sauce perfectly smooth.

Step 9: Assemble the Bake

Pour the creamy chicken spaghetti mixture into your prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the topping ingredients—breadcrumbs, melted butter, dried basil, salt, and remaining shredded cheese—over the surface for a golden, crunchy finish.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese topping is bubbling and golden brown. To avoid over-browning, tent with sprayed aluminum foil if needed during baking.

Step 11: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, allow the bake to cool on a rack for 5 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with additional fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or even a little extra shredded cheese right before serving elevates the dish’s aroma and appearance. For a touch of freshness and a pop of green, a few basil leaves work wonders to brighten the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

Keep sides light and complementary with crisp, simple salads featuring vinaigrette or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These add texture contrast and balance the richness of the creamy chicken spaghetti bake recipe beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in mini ramekins for a cute, personal touch. You could also top each scoop with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of chili sauce for a fun twist that adds layers of flavor and presentation flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. Your creamy chicken spaghetti bake recipe will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes remarkably well! To freeze, let it cool completely before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to maintain moisture, until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot, stirring halfway to ensure even heating and that decadent creamy texture stays intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works best broken into thirds for this bake, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you love. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to keep it al dente before baking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy sauce and cheese will still deliver plenty of satisfying flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to step 9 and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.

What cheese works best for melting in this bake?

Cheddar, Mexican cheese blends, and Gruyere are all excellent choices because they melt smoothly and provide a rich, flavorful finish. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for a personal touch.

How do I prevent the top from burning before the casserole is cooked through?

If you notice the cheese or breadcrumbs browning too quickly, tent the baking dish loosely with foil. This protects the topping while the casserole finishes cooking evenly.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe deserves a special spot in your recipe collection. It’s hearty, delicious, and so comforting, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy it is to create a soulful, cheesy baked pasta that everyone will ask for again and again!

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