If you’re craving a comfort food classic that’s both rich and incredibly satisfying, the Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. This creamy, cheesy, baked pasta dish combines tender shredded chicken with a luscious blend of cheeses and flavorful spices, making every bite a heavenly experience. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this dish brings warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of indulgence that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this recipe comes together easily while delivering an explosion of textures and flavors. Each element plays its part, from the cheesy softness to the slight tang of Rotel tomatoes, making this a foolproof dish that tastes anything but simple.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Cooked al dente for the perfect texture that holds up in the creamy sauce.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein and a tender bite; rotisserie chicken works great here.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: Provides richness and a velvety base for the sauce.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Adds depth and earthiness to balance the creamy flavors.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tang and creaminess that make the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Offers a subtle texture contrast and extra creaminess without overwhelming flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Melts into the sauce for silky indulgence.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharpness and gooey meltiness that defines this dish.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch enhancing the overall richness.
- 1 can Rotel, drained: Gives a fresh burst of mild heat and tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warmth and a savory aroma throughout.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the flavor, complementing the cheesy sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky note that elevates the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Next, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture—this ensures the pasta won’t become mushy after baking. Drain it thoroughly and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing 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, and drained Rotel tomatoes. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add your cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken directly into the creamy mixture. Gently fold the ingredients until every strand of pasta and shred of chicken is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. This step ensures every bite is full of cheesy, flavorful goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until everything is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted into a gorgeous, mouthwatering layer. Once baked, let it rest for 5 minutes to settle before serving.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can really brighten up your Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. For a little extra zest, a light drizzle of hot sauce or a handful of crushed red pepper flakes complements the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but pairing it with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even garlic bread makes the meal feel even more complete. A simple Caesar salad or steamed broccoli can add a refreshing crunch and help balance all the creamy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Serve the Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti directly from a rustic casserole dish at the table for a cozy, homey feel. Alternatively, scoop into individual ramekins or bake in mini casserole dishes for charming individual portions that make every bite feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious — if not more so — the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. To freeze, place the baked and cooled dish into a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warm and bubbly. You can also microwave individual servings, covering them to retain moisture and reheating in 1-to-2-minute increments until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and cream cheese create a classic flavor profile, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little heat. Just keep the total cheese amount similar to maintain the creamy texture.
Is it okay to use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, fresh cooked chicken works perfectly. You can poach, bake, or sauté chicken breasts before shredding them. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient shortcut without compromising flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Keeping some of the Rotel juice, adding jalapeños, or sprinkling in crushed red pepper flakes will ramp up the heat. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste buds.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can prepare it fully, refrigerate or freeze, and reheat portions throughout the week. It holds up well without losing flavor or texture.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative. It blends into the sauce similarly and keeps the creamy consistency you want. Just make sure it’s well drained to avoid excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe truly lives up to its name, delivering a satisfying, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive for gatherings. I promise once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your favorite comfort foods to share with family and friends. Get ready to make memories over this delectable, crowd-pleasing meal!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy and comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, a blend of creamy soups, cheeses, and a hint of spices all baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty American casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining rich flavors with easy preparation.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Chicken
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
Cheeses & 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 & Vegetables
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is cooked al dente. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing 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, and drained Rotel. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Pasta and Chicken: Fold the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the sauce mixture, stirring gently until all the noodles and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined chicken spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the spaghetti mixture to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps the dish firm up and improves slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can greatly reduce prep time and add extra flavor.
- For added flavor and texture, sauté onions or bell peppers and incorporate them into the mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, retain some of the Rotel juices or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the mix.
