Introduction

This Quick One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful herbs in a rich sauce that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.

A white bowl filled with a small pile of creamy pasta made of thick, round noodles coated in a smooth, light beige sauce. Mixed into the pasta are small bits of red tomatoes and green herbs scattered throughout. The pasta shows a slightly glossy texture from the sauce, and pine nuts are placed on top for garnish. In the background, there is a clear glass baking dish filled with more pasta in the same creamy sauce, set on a white marbled surface. A white textured cloth is partially visible on the left side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
4 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dry parsley
½ tsp dry oregano
½ tsp dry basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes
¼ tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded and divided
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded and divided
1 cup half and half
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
3 cups shredded leftover rotisserie chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, whisking to combine. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure no lumps remain. Cook for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, half and half, shredded chicken, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Combine carefully to avoid breaking the pasta.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded chicken for ease and flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
Try substituting half and half with whole milk for a lighter version.
Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti and flour.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How to Serve

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with a baked noodle casserole. The base layer consists of long, creamy beige noodles mixed with chunks of white chicken and small pieces of red tomatoes. On top, there is a melted golden-yellow cheese layer, unevenly spread with some places showing more cheese pooling. The entire dish is sprinkled with small green herb bits, adding a fresh contrast. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and use them in the recipe. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop without baking?

Absolutely. After combining the pasta and sauce, you can heat everything together on the stovetop until the cheese melts. Baking helps the top get bubbly and golden but is not required.