Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Name: Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 (12 ounce) package angel hair pasta; 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast; 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers; 0.75 (8 ounce) package processed cheese, cubed; 0.5 (4 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained; salt and pepper to taste

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (12 ounce) package angel hair pasta
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
(8 ounce) package processed cheese, cubed
(4 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Add the chopped chicken, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, cubed processed cheese, sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper to the pot with the pasta.
Cook and stir the mixture over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the entire dish is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	376
Total Fat	13g (17%)
Saturated Fat	6g (28%)
Cholesterol	61mg (20%)
Sodium	1111mg (48%)
Total Carbohydrate	39g (14%)
Dietary Fiber	3g (11%)
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	26g (52%)
Vitamin C	3mg (4%)
Calcium	183mg (14%)
Iron	3mg (14%)
Potassium	399mg (8%)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This chicken spaghetti recipe is quick and easy to make with cooked chicken, mushrooms, and pasta simmered in a creamy cheese sauce with tomatoes. It is a versatile, comforting dish that has become a staple for many busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

History and Origins

The origins of chicken spaghetti can be traced back to the United States, particularly the Southern regions. The dish combines familiar ingredients like chicken, pasta, and cheese, which are common in American comfort food. The addition of canned soup and tomatoes with green chilies, like in this recipe, became a popular way to simplify cooking without sacrificing flavor. It's believed that the dish gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century, especially as more time-saving kitchen products, such as canned soups and processed cheese, became widely available. Over the years, chicken spaghetti has evolved into numerous regional variations, often featuring different vegetables or seasonings depending on local preferences.

Regional Variations

While the basic concept of chicken spaghetti remains the same, the dish has regional variations. In the South, it is often made with Velveeta cheese and a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Some variations also incorporate spicy elements like green chiles, such as in this recipe, or even jalapeos for an extra kick. In other regions, the dish might be baked to create a casserole-style meal, which adds a crispy, cheesy crust on top. These adaptations reflect the local tastes and availability of ingredients.

What Makes it Different

Chicken spaghetti stands out from other pasta dishes due to its creamy texture and rich, cheesy sauce. Unlike traditional pasta with marinara sauce, which can be tangy and acidic, chicken spaghetti features a mellow, comforting sauce made from cream-based ingredients. Additionally, the combination of pasta, chicken, and cheese creates a hearty meal that is both filling and satisfying. It's also highly adaptable, with the possibility to add various vegetables or substitute different types of cheese, depending on your preferences or dietary needs.

Where Its Usually Served

Chicken spaghetti is a popular dish in many homes, especially for casual family meals. It is often served in Southern U.S. households, where comfort foods are cherished. It is also commonly found on the menu at church gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners due to its ease of preparation and ability to serve a crowd. While typically a home-cooked meal, chicken spaghetti can sometimes be found at restaurants that specialize in Southern or comfort cuisine, offering their own variations of the dish.

Fun Facts About Chicken Spaghetti

Despite its simplicity, chicken spaghetti has been a beloved dish in many households for over 60 years.
Many people add their own special touches to the dish, such as incorporating different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Some variations call for the addition of sour cream, which creates an extra layer of creaminess.
In Texas, it's common to include a can of Cream of Mushroom soup for added flavor, while others prefer using Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles for a spicier twist.
Chicken spaghetti is often paired with garlic bread or green beans, making it the perfect hearty meal.

Conclusion

Chicken spaghetti is a comforting, customizable dish that has remained a favorite for decades. Whether you prefer it with a creamy, cheesy sauce or spiced up with green chiles, it is a versatile meal that can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a family gathering, chicken spaghetti is sure to please everyone at the table.

FAQ about Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Leftover chicken spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or warm it on the stovetop with a bit of added cream or milk to prevent it from drying out.

Yes, you can freeze chicken spaghetti. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or rotini. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta, so adjust accordingly.

You can substitute processed cheese with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well. If you want to maintain a creamy texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream to the mix.

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and replacing it with a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.

The dish has a mild level of heat due to the diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you prefer less spice, you can drain the liquid from the tomatoes or use mild diced tomatoes without the chiles. For more heat, keep the liquid from the tomatoes or add extra chili powder or hot sauce.

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble the chicken spaghetti and refrigerate it, uncooked, for up to a day. When ready to eat, bake it in the oven or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through. If baking, cover with foil to prevent drying out.

To make fewer servings, simply halve the ingredients or adjust them to suit your desired serving size. Cooking times may remain the same, but keep an eye on the dish as smaller portions may heat faster.

Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it to the recipe as directed.

Some great side dishes for chicken spaghetti include garlic bread, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans. You could also serve it with a fruit salad or a light cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Comments

Charm

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Quicky, easy, and good. In Texas, I was taught to also add a can of Cream of Mushroom to the recipe. I also learned that Velveeta is the favorite to use since it melts so well. Some people drain the Rotel, and some don't. (It's spicier if you keep the liquid though). Either way is good to me. I know a few people who use canned chunked chicken (like canned tuna, but chicken) to make it that much quicker to make. Occasionally, I like to add diced celery, pimentos, onions, garlic, and garlic powder (depending on my mood). No matter what, it's fool proof! You can't go wrong! The best one I ever tasted was baked, and it wasn't too cheesy (which is good because I'm not fond of things that are too cheesy). It was just creamy (not too creamy) and good! Good starting off point for people who have never had it before though! I like to serve it with garlic toast (or that garlic Texas Toast you find in the freezer section of your grocery store), and green beans (fresh or canned). Try it out! You can always tweak it as much or as little as you like!

DeeDeep

08/23/2023 10:25:33 PM

Was GREAT!! Had some leftover Zucchini and Summer Squash. Cut them both up into cubes about the size of the cubed chicken. (They were small-about a cup of each.) I then sauteed them in 2 Tbsp. Butter Flavored Coconut Oil. They were still crisp tender, but had a little browning to them. I wasn't sure how well the mushrooms would go with the Squashes, but took a chance. Glad I did. It was a match made in Heaven. The entire thing was Beautiful and tasted Divine! I'm glad I had the leftover squash, because I think it really made the dish! If you add Zucchini or any vegetables, SAUTE them first. It adds a depth that raw vegetables wouldn't add to the dish. I sprinkled a little grated Parmesan on the top. This dish can be adjusted in a lot of different ways.

MoonlitBridals

10/24/2023 09:16:36 PM

I have been making this over 40 years. It's easily adaptable and I love it the way it is. I cook the pasta in reduced sodium chicken broth. Lends an extra depth to the casserole. Keep the juice from tomatoes and add it to the chicken broth while cooking pasta. I've also added onions, celery, pimentos, squash, green bell pepper, even black olives to make use of leftover veggies in the fridge. I also add a can milk, I prefer to bake mine but enjoy stovetop too when I'm too tired to take an extra step. Tonight I added shredded Swiss and Gruyere cheese in additional to the other cheese, just not as much. A light dusting of paprika puts it over the top. We serve with southern style green beans, a cucumber tomato salad or a green salad with crispy garlic toast. Perfect with a pear salad or other fresh fruit for dessert.

Evelyn Cordero

11/13/2023 12:03:10 AM

Delicious!! A nice twist to chicken spaghetti! I added mushrooms, onions, garlic and cilantro as my veggies, used skinless, boneless chicken thighs instead chicken breast and Mexican blend Monterrey shredded cheese instead of the process cheese. It turned really creamy and delicious

LimeDonut8524

07/14/2024 10:32:29 PM

I sautéed a little onion and fresh mushrooms then mixed with chicken while waiting for water to boil and pasta to cook. I only had diced tomatoes -drained a bit of liquid - added seasoning to accommodate for not having Rotel. Only had cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheese. Once it was all mixed together definitely only took a couple minutes for everything to be hot and sauce to appear. Delicious!

SpryChai4718

01/28/2025 01:15:21 AM

Good for a weeknight quick meal. I used rotisserie chicken, and omitted the mushrooms and tomatoes. I also used shredded cheese instead of Velveeta. I added some sour cream and milk for creaminess. Lastly, I crumbled bacon on top!

Dallas mosque48

10/20/2024 08:58:24 AM

I used the vegan cubed cheese from daiya, cream of vegan tomato soup from Amy's, vegan gardine chic'n breast,

rputala

06/05/2024 01:48:05 AM

Very tasty recipe! I added caramelized onions and garlic and set that aside. I then fried the chicken pieces and set those aside. I didn't have canned soup so I made a roux with butter, flour and chicken stock. I then added the tomatoes and cheese, and then the chicken and cooked spaghetti. Very good meal!

CaringMint1513

08/05/2023 12:09:20 AM

I added 8 oz cream cheese and one block Velveeta. 1 10.75 oz cream of mushroom soul food seasoning and Tony's , 3 table spoons home made garlic butter 2 cans cream of chicken instead of 1 can. 2 cans of diced tomatoes and green chilies.

fruitdog

11/16/2018 03:26:07 AM

Good for the man!! Made a cream sauce with diced onion for the cream of soup, used chicken bouillon to taste, used fire roasted diced tomato and cheddar cheese. Wanted spice so dissolved about 1/4 cup FF jalapenos ( comes in a container like fried onions ) with the cheese. Made a nice thick cheesy sauce, added cooked pasta and the leftover diced chicken, put in casserole, topped with bread crumbs because I was feeling fancy, and baked till bubbly...made a lovely garlic bread.... Not really the same dish...but somehow I got there starting with your idea!! Thank you for helping me use what I have instead of wasteful living!!!

SilverCocoa3293

07/03/2024 07:53:35 PM

I put it in a casserole dish and grated fresh Parmesan cheese over it and baked it at 350 for 30 minutes. Delicious!

Beth Goldsmith

08/13/2025 09:30:56 PM

Great. Easy, recipe. I did make the following tweaks due to the ingredients I had on hand. I used cream of celery soup, which I prefer and usually swap for cream of chicken or cream of mushroom. I didn’t have a can of diced tomatoes with chiles so I used plain canned diced tomatoes and added a spoonful of diced jalapeños, which my family likes anyway.

Sarah Price

07/18/2025 10:56:12 PM

I did not have cream of chicken,used cream of mushroom, and used sliced American Kraft singles. Used stewed Italian tomatoes, sensitive stomachs for rotel. It was very good just ran out of what I should have had. I will definitely make again same way

GreenHam8109

07/09/2025 10:05:18 PM

Quick and easy I cook for several most nights Everyone loved it

blackhighheels

06/10/2025 01:38:33 AM

I intended to make this recipe as written, but I put in the soup, the tomatoes with juice, and the chicken and it was so gloopy I couldn't imagine putting a ton of cheese into it. I added about a quarter cup of cheese and a quarter cup of milk to thin it out. It was still too gloopy. The flavor was nice, but I won't make it again.

FunBran2260

05/31/2025 11:54:21 AM

I did half the recipe for the two of us. I used cream of mushroom instead of mushrooms, and I sauteed 1/4 cup of onions in olive oil when pasta was removed. I then sautéed half a tomato with some jalapeno slices instead of the can of tomatoes and chiles. After this I added the chicken and then the pasta and the rest of ingredients to pan to heat through. It was great, with no left overs.

Ryan Johnson

05/14/2025 09:25:13 PM

Bro, my stomach is fully satisfied.

CheekyHerb5597

04/17/2025 09:37:12 PM

Have been making this for my family for 30 years. My boys love it! I add half a can of finely diced black olives to give it a little more color and another level of flavor, so good!

OrangeBass3176

03/20/2025 11:51:30 PM

Quick and super easy!!

Barbi

02/27/2025 09:15:50 PM

Easy to make cheese takes a minute but easy and very tasty

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

History and Origins

Regional Variations

What Makes it Different

Where Its Usually Served

Fun Facts About Chicken Spaghetti

Conclusion

FAQ about Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe