If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and downright irresistible meal, then the Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with a luscious blend of cheeses and soups, all baked together with perfectly cooked spaghetti to create a golden, bubbly casserole that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a big, welcoming hug on a plate and is perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simple, familiar ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. Every component works together seamlessly to create this comforting casserole.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Cooking the pasta al dente ensures a perfect bite that won’t turn mushy after baking.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and rich flavor.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: This adds savory depth and creamy texture.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Brings an earthy, rich counterpoint to the chicken soup.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess for the perfect velvety sauce.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Enhances texture and boosts protein while keeping it moist.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Melts into silky smoothness, tying all the ingredients together.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: One cup folds into the mix for cheesy goodness, and the other tops the casserole for a golden crust.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp kick.
- 1 can Rotel, drained: Diced tomatoes with mild green chilies bring a subtle heat and fresh acidity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic beautifully with sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky flavor that adds complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough bite to keep things interesting.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish lightly. Then, cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. This ensures the noodles hold their texture during baking and soak up all the creamy goodness without turning mushy. Once drained, set it aside and get ready to mix the sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir these together until smooth and velvety. Next, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and the drained Rotel tomatoes for a subtle kick. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a perfectly balanced flavor base.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Spaghetti
Add your cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the bowl of creamy sauce. Gently fold everything together until the noodles and chicken are evenly coated. This is where all the magic happens—those tender pieces of chicken mingle with cheesy, savory sauce hugging every strand of pasta.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Smooth the top, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the surface. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and starting to turn golden. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set nicely.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top before serving for a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a few sliced jalapeños can add an extra creamy finish or a little kick depending on your preference.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm, buttery rolls are wonderful to scoop up any remaining sauce and cheese from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins or mini casserole dishes for a personalized touch. You could also turn leftover Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe into a crispy skillet bake topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden for a new texture experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it an excellent dish to make ahead for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked casserole by covering it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the portion in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or microwave until warmed through. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating can revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in the Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, saving prep time while adding fantastic flavor.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with an additional can of cream of chicken soup or a homemade béchamel sauce for a similar creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Keep some of the Rotel juices when draining or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a nice, gentle heat that complements the dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
What cheese works best for topping?
Sharp cheddar is ideal because it melts beautifully and gives you that classic golden crust. You can mix in a bit of mozzarella for extra stretchiness if you like.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with friends and family is always a joy because it’s such a reliable and delicious crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, cheesy, and comforting profile makes it perfect for any occasion, whether a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck showstopper. Once you give it a try, you’ll understand why it’s called “million dollar”—it’s truly worth every penny in taste and smiles around the table.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish that’s packed with shredded chicken, a blend of cheeses, and flavorful seasonings. This comforting American casserole combines tender spaghetti with a creamy mixture of soups, sour cream, and cheeses, then baked to perfection with a golden cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Soups and Vegetables
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can Rotel, drained
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and drained Rotel. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the creamy sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
- Add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier dish, keep some of the Rotel juices or add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
