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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Creamy, cheesy baked chicken spaghetti casserole with Rotel tomatoes and a golden cheddar top — a Southern weeknight favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti broken in half
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken about 1 lb
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 oz, undrained
  • 1 ​ small yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 ​ green bell pepper finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter ​
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ​
  • 2 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 cup chicken broth ​
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder ​
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder ​
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder ​
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika ​
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ​
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce
  • 9x13-inch baking dish for baking
  • Whisk and wooden spoon for stirring
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Cheese grater for shredding cheddar

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F; grease 9x13 dish. Boil spaghetti 1 min shy of package directions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain.
  2. Melt butter; sauté onion and bell pepper 5-6 min; add garlic 30 seconds.
  3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir 1-2 min to make roux.
  4. Whisk in warmed milk then broth; simmer 3-4 min until thickened.
  5. Reduce heat; melt in cream cheese, then 1 cup cheddar.
  6. Stir in Rotel with liquid, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
  7. Toss spaghetti and chicken in sauce; loosen with pasta water if needed.
  8. Transfer to baking dish; top with remaining 1 cup cheddar; bake 25-30 min until golden and bubbling.
  9. Rest 10 min; garnish with parsley or green onions; serve hot.