My Famous Chicken Spaghetti That Everyone Loves – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

There are recipes that come and go—and then there are the ones that become family legends. This Famous Chicken Spaghetti is one of those dishes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping freezer meals, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.

It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed around at potlucks, requested for birthdays, and remembered long after the last bite. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s earned its place as a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti

Rich and creamy – Thanks to cream of mushroom soup and sharp cheddar.
Full of flavor – With green pepper, onion, pimentos, and seasoned salt.
Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for freezing or refrigerating.
Family favorite – A comforting classic that everyone loves.
Feeds a crowd – Great for potlucks, holidays, or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup finely diced green bell pepper
¼ cup finely diced onion
1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
2 cups reserved chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Boil 1 cut-up fryer chicken (or equivalent) in water until fully cooked.
Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and pick off the meat to yield 2 cups.
Reserve 2 cups of the cooking broth for later.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

In the same broth, cook the broken spaghetti until just al dente.
Do not overcook—it will continue to soften in the oven.
Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole

In a large bowl, combine:

Cooked chicken
Cooked spaghetti
Cream of mushroom soup
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Green pepper, onion, and pimentos
Reserved chicken broth
Seasoned salt and cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix until everything is evenly coated and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake or Store

To bake immediately:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

To refrigerate:

Cover and store for up to 2 days.
Bake as directed when ready.

To freeze:

Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 6 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake from frozen (add 15–20 minutes to bake time).

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Calories: ~480 kcal per serving (approximate)

Tips for Success

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Break spaghetti before cooking for easier mixing and serving.
Add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for a boost.
Spice it up with more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Let rest 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.

Variations to Try

Tex-Mex Twist: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and pepper jack cheese.
Creamy Ranch Chicken Spaghetti: Swap seasoned salt for ranch seasoning mix.
Broccoli Chicken Bake: Add steamed broccoli florets for a veggie-packed version.
Bacon Lover’s: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and soup alternatives.

Perfect For…

Family dinners
Potlucks and church suppers
Meal prep and freezer meals
Comfort food cravings
Feeding a crowd

Final Thoughts

This Famous Chicken Spaghetti is more than just a recipe—it’s a family tradition in the making. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more. Whether you’re making it ahead or serving it fresh from the oven, it’s a guaranteed hit every single time.