Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting and reliably delicious, this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and spaghetti noodles all baked to bubbly perfection. I love this because it’s both simple and impressive, perfect for weeknight dinners when you need a no-fuss meal that still feels special.

What’s great about this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or want leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this dish works beautifully. I’ve found it to be a crowd-pleaser every time, and it’s so forgiving that even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll have no trouble getting it right.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient complements the others perfectly in this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe, balancing savory cheese, tender chicken, and a silky sauce. When shopping, look for good-quality shredded mozzarella and fresh bell peppers to ensure maximum flavor.

• Spaghetti noodles: Choose regular spaghetti or sub in penne or fettuccine depending on what you have on hand.
• Unsalted butter: Use unsalted to control the saltiness of your dish.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds just the right amount of punch.
• Green bell pepper: Adds subtle sweetness and texture; I love swapping this for spinach sometimes.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that brings in herbs and depth, so don’t skip it!
• Heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor without heaviness.
• Milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and balances the richness.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted cheese is the star that makes every bite gooey and delicious.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.
• Cooked shredded chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and keeps the meat tender.
• Diced tomatoes (drained): Adds a bright contrast and a hint of acidity to cut through the creaminess.

Variations

I’m all about making this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe your own. Over time, I’ve tried switching up veggies, cheese, and even proteins to suit different moods and seasons—feel free to experiment based on what you like or have available.

• Add Mushrooms or Spinach: I swapped bell peppers for mushrooms once, and it added an earthy depth that was fantastic with the creamy sauce.
• Use Different Cheeses: Mixing mozzarella with sharp cheddar or even Parmesan changes the flavor profile for a richer bite.
• Make it Spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick my family loves.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch for thickening to keep it gluten-free without losing creaminess.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta to Al Dente

First, get your spaghetti noodles boiling—follow the package directions but cook them just until al dente (firm to the bite). I love this tip because the pasta keeps cooking in the oven, and you don’t want it to turn mushy later. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Bell Peppers Then Make the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add minced garlic and chopped green bell pepper. Cook until tender and fragrant. Then sprinkle in flour and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly for about a minute to make a light roux. This step is crucial as it gives your sauce its lovely thickness. Next, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Keep the mixture at a simmer until it thickens to a creamy consistency—trust me, stirring often is key here so it doesn’t stick or burn! Remove from heat and stir in half of your shredded mozzarella until it’s all melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Tomatoes

Now, gently stir the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and drained diced tomatoes into the sauce mixture. This step is where all those flavors start to meld together. Transfer everything into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly to prepare for baking.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously on top. Pop the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly cheese and lightly browned edges—that’s when it’s ready to come out. This final bake melds the layers and adds that irresistible golden top that makes this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe so addictive.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this bake with fresh parsley or chopped green onions—something fresh cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color. Sometimes I sprinkle on crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or a dash of grated Parmesan for extra cheesiness.

Side Dishes

A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this creamy dish, balancing flavors and textures. Roasted or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus also complement the meal perfectly without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this creamy chicken spaghetti bake in individual ramekins—perfectly portioned and fancy-looking. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and butter on top before baking for a crunchy twist that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I let the dish cool completely and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps nicely for up to three days and tastes great reheated with just a sprinkle of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing this recipe either before or after baking works well. Before freezing, I line my casserole dish with parchment paper, freeze solid, then pop the whole thing or portions into freezer bags to save space. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until bubbly. For single servings, the microwave works fine but add a tablespoon of water or broth to keep it moist. This way, the creamy texture stays just right without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly became a staple in my home—and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s effortless to pull together yet feels like a special treat. If you want a meal that’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with family-friendly flavors, this is the recipe to try. Grab your favorite cheese, cook up some spaghetti, and I promise you’ll be making this one again and again.

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