Creamy Homemade Chicken Spaghetti

This Homemade Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a delicious, comforting casserole packed with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of spice. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners or potlucks, offering satisfying flavors and a golden, bubbly topping that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Spaghetti:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with chilies (e.g., Rotel) or petite diced tomatoes

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup salted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half or light cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Pasta:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Cook the spaghetti al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
   • Stir in the flour and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, adding a little at a time. Cook until the sauce is smooth and thickened (about 1 minute after boiling).
   • Remove from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sauce, and canned tomatoes. Mix thoroughly.
   • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection:
   • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

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Tips for Success

• Cheese Variations: Mix it up with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added creaminess.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
• Spice Control: Use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder flavor, or add a pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat.
• Perfect Pasta: Avoid overcooking the spaghetti during boiling—it will continue to cook in the oven.

This chicken spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing classic that pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad!