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chicken spaghetti 12

Ultimate Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

This Ultimate Creamy Chicken Spaghetti combines tender shredded chicken, Rotel tomatoes, colorful peppers, and a rich three-cheese sauce for the ultimate Southern comfort food casserole. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, potlucks, and freezer meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 690

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 1 lb spaghetti pasta
  • water for boiling
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
For Chicken
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded about 4 cups
For the Vegetable Base:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 poblano pepper diced
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
For the Cheese Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 10-ounce can Rotel, drained
  • 1 teaspoon Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Bayou City Garlic Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Blend:
  • 8 ounces Velveeta cubed
  • cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
For Topping:
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • ¼ cup buttery crackers crushed (optional)
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just under al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Add onion, bell pepper, and poblano pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
  5. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add 3 tablespoons butter and allow it to melt. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
  7. Slowly whisk in chicken stock until smooth. Add heavy cream and continue whisking.
  8. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese, Velveeta, Rotel, Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning, Bayou City Garlic Pepper, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper.
  9. Stir until cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  10. Add shredded chicken and stir to combine.
  11. Add cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted.
  12. Fold in cooked spaghetti. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  13. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
  14. Top with remaining cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and crushed crackers if using.
  15. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  16. Broil for 1-2 minutes for additional browning if desired.
  17. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Slightly undercook the spaghetti to prevent a mushy casserole.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves time.
  • The poblano pepper adds subtle smoky flavor without making the dish spicy.
  • For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
  • This recipe can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.