Few dishes capture the heart of comfort food quite like a Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. This classic dish has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, offering a creamy, hearty, and budget-friendly meal that the whole family loves. Whether you’re searching for 90s dinner recipes that remind you of childhood, or simply looking for easy week night dinners for families, chicken spaghetti casserole checks every box.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and spaghetti noodles. Best of all, it’s one of those easy cheap dinner ideas that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for potlucks, Sunday suppers, or easy meals to feed a crowd, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Table of Contents
Why This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a Southern Classic
The South is known for comfort food that’s filling, flavorful, and family-focused. This casserole has stood the test of time because it brings together pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and creamy soup bases in one convenient dish. It’s not just food—it’s a tradition.
Many Southern families grew up enjoying casseroles like this one, and they still serve as reliable cheap simple dinners that can stretch a small grocery budget into multiple servings.
The Origins: From 90s Dinner Recipes to Modern Tables
Back in the 1990s, casseroles like chicken spaghetti were weeknight heroes. Moms needed meals that were simple fast dinner ideas yet hearty enough to feed hungry families. With ingredients like canned soup, shredded chicken, and pasta, it was possible to have dinner on the table in under an hour.
Today, this creamy chicken spaghetti casserole is still beloved. It has been updated in many kitchens with fresher ingredients, but the nostalgic flavor remains the same—making it a comfort food favorite across generations.
Ingredients for Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
To make this rich and satisfying casserole, gather these ingredients:
Chicken and Pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
Creamy Sauce Base
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces)
Seasonings and Toppings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Skillet for sautéing vegetables
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Cooking the Chicken and Pasta
- Cook spaghetti noodles until al dente; drain and set aside.
- If not using rotisserie chicken, cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs.
Making the Creamy Casserole Sauce
- In a skillet, sauté onion and green pepper until soft.
- Stir in soups, Rotel, sour cream, and chicken broth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in half of the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Baking the Casserole
- Combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides that go with chicken—think green beans, garlic bread, or a simple salad.
Easy Cheap Dinner Ideas with Chicken Spaghetti
This casserole is one of the best cheap simple dinners because it uses affordable ingredients. You can stretch one rotisserie chicken into multiple meals, and pantry staples like pasta and canned soup keep costs down.
It’s also great for meal prep. Make it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready. That makes it a lifesaver for fast weeknight dinners families need when schedules are busy.
Variations of Homemade Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Quick and Simple Fast Dinner Ideas
- Use pre-cooked chicken or canned chicken for even faster prep.
- Swap spaghetti for penne or rotini for a fun twist.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition.
Easy Meals to Feed a Crowd
- Double the recipe for potlucks or family gatherings.
- Serve with rolls, salad, and iced tea to make it a complete spread.
- Cut into squares for easy serving at events.
This is a crowd favorite much like other comfort staples such as mac and cheese or scalloped potatoes.
Best Sides That Go With Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Choosing the right side can elevate your casserole dinner. Here are a few favorites:
- Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread – A flavorful bread that pairs perfectly. (recipe here)
- Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans – A colorful and slightly sweet side dish. (recipe here)
- Cucumber Dill Salad – Light and refreshing for balance. (recipe here)
Tips for Fast Weeknight Dinners for Families
- Cook chicken ahead of time and freeze in portions.
- Pre-cook spaghetti and store in the fridge for up to two days.
- Assemble the casserole in the morning and refrigerate; bake at dinnertime.
- Pair with simple sides like steamed broccoli or a bagged salad for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
- Overcooking pasta – Keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
- Skipping the seasoning – Soups provide flavor, but extra spices make it shine.
- Using too much liquid – Add broth gradually to avoid a watery casserole.
- Not letting it rest – Let the casserole sit 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quick portions.
Serving and Presentation Ideas for Chicken Spaghetti
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for color.
- Serve in individual ramekins for portion control.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
Pair with a refreshing drink like Lavender Lemonade or Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for balance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Simple Dinners with Chicken
Can I make chicken spaghetti casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Can I use other proteins?
Yes, turkey or ham can replace chicken for variety.
Can I make it lighter?
Use light sour cream, low-fat cheese, or substitute Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s creamy, cheesy, and mild enough for picky eaters.
Final Thoughts on Easy Week Night Dinners for Families
This Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. It’s creamy, hearty, and endlessly adaptable—ideal for easy cheap dinner ideas, fast weeknight dinners families can rely on, or even easy meals to feed a crowd at gatherings.
If you’re craving cozy nostalgia, this dish belongs on your menu. It’s just as satisfying as old-school casseroles and even better when paired with classic sides.
Print
Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe : Creamy Comfort Food for Busy Families
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is pure nostalgic comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and spaghetti noodles. A beloved weeknight dinner staple from Southern kitchens, it’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for feeding a family or a crowd. This easy casserole is one of those best 90s dinner recipes that never go out of style.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth or pasta water, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a skillet, melt butter and cook chopped onion until soft (3–4 minutes).
- Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, sautéed onion, diced tomatoes with chilies, garlic powder, and 1½ cups of cheese. Mix well.
- Combine: Stir in shredded chicken and spaghetti. Add chicken broth or pasta water if mixture is too thick.
- Assemble: Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Enjoy hot and cheesy straight from the oven.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
- Don’t overcook spaghetti—it softens further in the oven.
- Add sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Customize with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Make ahead or freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern chicken spaghetti casserole, creamy chicken spaghetti, easy cheap dinner ideas, simple fast dinner recipes, 90s dinner recipes, family casseroles
