If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Angel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This casserole is a delightful mix of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all baked together in a luscious cream cheese and chicken soup sauce. Each bite melts with rich flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser and ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Trust me, once you try this Angel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of essential ingredients is all it takes to create this heavenly dish. Each item plays a vital role, from the creamy texture that comes from the cream cheese and butter, to the savory depth brought by the garlic and chicken stock. Plus, the Italian dressing mix adds that perfect zing that ties everything together beautifully.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Use your favorite brand and cook it al dente to give the casserole just the right bite.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: A tender, protein-packed base that soaks up all the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened): Gives the dish that irresistibly smooth and velvety texture.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup: A savory binding agent that elevates the flavor complexity.
- 3 cloves minced garlic: For a boost of aromatic, savory depth that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian dressing mix: The secret seasoning twist that adds herbaceous brightness.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the dish moist and enriches the overall taste.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided): A melty, mild cheese that creates the perfect cheesy crust on top.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential finishing touches that enhance every flavor.
How to Make Angel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray ensures your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Taking care of this step early sets you up perfectly for finishing the recipe without delays.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti Just Right
Boil a large pot of water and add your spaghetti noodles. Cook according to the package directions until al dente — meaning firm to the bite but not mushy. Properly cooked pasta holds up wonderfully during baking, soaking up the sauce without turning soggy. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Chicken Sauce
In a large bowl, stir together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Then add the cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken, garlic, Italian dressing mix, half of the shredded cheese, chicken stock, and the cooked pasta. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients combine into a luscious, creamy sauce that evenly coats the spaghetti.
Step 4: Assemble and Top Your Casserole
Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese on top to create that tempting bubbly and golden crust we all love. This layering locks in flavor and guarantees an ooey-gooey cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted and begun to brown. This final step melds all the flavors together and delivers a golden, mouthwatering presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like a beautiful pop of color.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds vibrant color and a subtle freshness that balances the rich, creamy flavors. You could also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat with their cheesy comfort food.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables brings nice contrast in texture and lightness to your meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make great companions and help scoop up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the classic casserole, try serving individual portions in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Layer in extra cheese or herbs on top for a personalized touch. It’s perfect for when you want to impress guests without the fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Angel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by covering it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm portions gently in the microwave or covered in a 350ºF oven until heated through and bubbly again. If the top starts to dry, just add a little extra shredded cheese or a splash of chicken stock for moisture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor without any extra effort. Just chop it up and it’s ready to use.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?
Yes, you can swap out full-fat cream cheese and butter for their lighter versions, and use reduced-fat cheese. Additionally, whole wheat or veggie-enriched spaghetti can bump up the fiber content.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble it completely and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add some extra baking time if it goes into the oven cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the Italian dressing mix?
If you don’t have Italian dressing mix on hand, mix dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder with a little salt and pepper to replicate the flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so. The creamy, cheesy pasta is generally a hit with kids, and you can adjust the garlic or seasoning levels based on your family’s preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Angel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe that draws everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. Its creamy, cheesy layers combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta create a comforting, satisfying dish that’s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough for guests. Give it a try soon — your family and friends will thank you with full, happy smiles.
Print
Angel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Angel Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy casserole combining tender spaghetti noodles, succulent cooked chicken, and a rich mixture of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup. Enhanced with Italian dressing seasoning and garlic, this comforting baked dish is topped with melted Colby Jack cheese to create a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken stock
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the cream of chicken soup, cooked chopped chicken, cooked spaghetti, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, half a cup of the shredded cheese, and chicken stock. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with fresh parsley if desired before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a sharper flavor, use a mix of cheeses such as cheddar and Colby Jack.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your chicken stock or soup is already salted.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
