If you crave a dinner that’s hearty, creamy, and guaranteed to bring everyone running to the table, Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is about to become your new obsession. This dish wraps tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and two kinds of cheese into a luscious, bubbling casserole that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing. The secret is in the rich, tangy sauce, studded with Rotel tomatoes and a whisper of spice, making every bite a true flavor jackpot. Whether you’re serving a weeknight family meal or feeding a hungry group, Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti promises a plateful of creamy, cheesy happiness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every item plays a role: from the backbone of tender chicken and spaghetti, to the creamy sauce and melty cheeses, each component creates layers of flavor, color, and texture you’ll absolutely love.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): The sturdy base that soaks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Use rotisserie chicken for unbeatable flavor and convenience.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Brings a rich, silky texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a tangy note and extra creaminess to balance the cheese.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): The classic shortcut for robust, savory flavor with minimal effort.
- Rotel (10 ounces, drained): Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring brightness and a gentle kick.
- Cheddar cheese (1½ cups, shredded & divided): For that quintessential sharp, cheesy melt on top and throughout.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Lends stringy, melty goodness and a mild, creamy flavor.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): For a warm, savory undertone in every bite.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season to perfection for a well-balanced casserole.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Sprinkled on top for a golden, salty finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh pop of color and herby flavor to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that your Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti won’t stick and will bubble up with beautifully crisp edges. Having your dish ready to go makes the assembly a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. You want the noodles to hold up in the casserole, so avoid overcooking. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, drained Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is completely blended and smooth. This is where your Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti gets its signature richness and tangy kick!
Step 4: Add Chicken and Cheeses
Fold in the shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, and the mozzarella cheese. Make sure everything is distributed evenly so every forkful is packed with tender chicken and melty cheese.
Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti
Add your cooked, drained spaghetti directly into the sauce mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each strand is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce, and the chicken is tucked throughout.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every corner gets its share of deliciousness. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and all of the grated Parmesan evenly over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is golden. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering in the kitchen, eager for dinner!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the finished Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve piping hot and watch the smiles appear!
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped parsley brightens the whole dish, giving it an inviting, homemade look. For a little extra flair, you can also sprinkle a touch of red pepper flakes or a dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti with a crisp green salad dressed simply in olive oil and lemon, or some roasted vegetables for a fresh contrast. Warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To really make this dish special, consider serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or spooning it into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking for a colorful, fun presentation. Leftovers also make fantastic packed lunches—just reheat and enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover any leftovers tightly or transfer to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream. If you want to freeze it, assemble the dish right up to the step before baking. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works just fine—just add a splash of milk to keep it extra creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional for Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the casserole.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a little extra heat, use hot Rotel instead of the mild version, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños if you’re really looking to turn up the spice!
Is it possible to make Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and ensure that your cream of chicken soup is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation.
Can I prepare Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual. It makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?
The quickest method is to use two forks to pull the chicken into bite-sized pieces. For an even faster trick, pop warm, cooked chicken breasts into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low—it shreds in seconds!
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti truly lives up to its name, bringing together everything you love about comforting casseroles in one creamy, cheesy, satisfying dish. Give it a try the next time you want to make something special for your family or friends, and I guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta casserole perfect for a comforting family dinner. This easy recipe combines tender shredded chicken, spaghetti, and a rich mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, enhanced with diced tomatoes and green chilies for a touch of zest. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish delivers a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, drained Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken and Cheeses: Stir the shredded chicken, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, and all the mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture.
- Mix in Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For a spicier version, opt for hot Rotel or add crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble the dish and freeze it before baking for an easy meal prep option.
- Ensure spaghetti is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute cheeses or add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
