If you re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. I love this dish because it hits all the right notes-creamy, cheesy, and just packed with comforting flavors that everyone at the table will rave about. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe consistently earns compliments and second helpings.
What really makes this Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe special is how simple it is to throw together with basic pantry staples, but it tastes like you put in way more effort. I ve discovered it s a perfect weeknight meal when you want something hearty without any fancy fuss. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you ll definitely appreciate the leftovers the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Creamy & Cheesy: The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find, making this recipe approachable and convenient.
- Feeds a Crowd: It s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasonings and add-ins to suit your tastes or dietary needs without losing that million dollar flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe come together to create a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Using a mix of cheeses and classic seasonings gives it that signature richness you ll crave.
- Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works best; just be sure not to overcook it since it will bake later.
- Eggs: These help bind the pasta and add richness to the coating mix.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the cream cheese.
- Butter: Melted butter mingles with the eggs and cheese for a silky texture.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates that luscious, velvety sauce base.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This brings classic comfort food vibes and helps keep everything moist.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess that balances the richness perfectly.
- Shredded Chicken: Leftover or rotisserie chicken is great here-it s quick and flavorful.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella on top gives that irresistible gooey finish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a wonderful burst of sweet and tangy flavor that elevates the dish.
- Seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder): They bring a subtle depth and warmth-don t skip these!
Variations
I love how versatile the Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is-you can easily make it your own depending on what you have at home or dietary preferences. I often switch things up just to keep it fresh and suit whoever I m serving that night.
- Vegetarian Version: I swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and add a little extra sun-dried tomatoes for an earthy, satisfying flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce before baking gives it a nice little heat that my family goes wild for.
- Different Cheese Combos: Feel free to swap mozzarella for cheddar or a mix of pepper jack for a fun twist on the original.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and make sure your cream of chicken soup is GF, and you ll have a safe and tasty alternative.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9×13 inch baking dish-this step prevents sticking and helps your casserole bake evenly. I like to use a little non-stick spray or rub the dish with olive oil using a paper towel; either works well.
Step 2: Cook Your Spaghetti & Prepare Mixture
Cook the spaghetti just until it s al dente according to the package directions. Don t overcook because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain it well and set aside. While the pasta cooks, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Toss this mixture with the hot spaghetti-it s what gives the dish extra richness and that lovely silky coating.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded chicken, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and all your seasonings. Stir until everything is combined and the mixture is creamy and delicious. This is the heart of the recipe-make sure your cream cheese is soft so it blends smoothly!
Step 4: Layer & Bake
Pour half of the spaghetti into your prepared pan, then spread half of the creamy chicken mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and chicken mixture. Finally, top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese for that beautiful bubbly, golden finish. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-45 minutes. You ll know it s done when it s hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Don t Overcook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente so it doesn t turn mushy after baking.
- Soften Your Cream Cheese Well: This helps avoid lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth sauce.
- Layer Evenly: Spreading the mixture in layers keeps every bite balanced between pasta and creamy chicken goodness.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top-this little pop of green brightens the rich dish and adds a fresh note. If you like a bit of crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple side of steamed broccoli to lighten things up. Garlic bread or cheesy garlic knots also make for a delicious indulgent complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve served this recipe in individual ramekins or smaller baking dishes, which makes it feel extra personal and impressive. You can also top it with sliced olives or roasted red peppers for a colorful, gourmet touch that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more after a day, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I recommend freezing in casserole-sized portions using freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings covered loosely with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Stir halfway through microwaving for even heat and to keep it creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of pasta for Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and works nicely with this creamy sauce, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni if that s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure they re al dente before baking.
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Is it okay to use canned chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, both options work perfectly. Leftover rotisserie chicken adds great flavor, but canned chicken is a convenient shortcut-just drain it well. The creamy sauce does most of the heavy lifting in terms of taste.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
It s a bit trickier since cheese and cream cheese are key here, but you could try dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives to experiment. The texture and flavor will be different, so it may take some tweaking to get the right balance.
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How do I avoid dryness in this baked pasta dish?
Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially, and don t skimp on the cream-based mixture which keeps everything moist. Baking covered for part of the time or adding a splash of chicken broth if it looks dry can help maintain creaminess.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you re baking it straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has been one of my go-to comfort dishes for years because it s ridiculously easy, reliably delicious, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. I honestly recommend giving it a try if you want something that feels a bit indulgent but won t keep you stuck in the kitchen all evening. Trust me, once you taste that creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of sun-dried tomatoes, you ll understand why it s called million dollar. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family and I do!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta casserole that combines tender shredded chicken, melted cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings layered with spaghetti noodles. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner and baked to bubbly perfection with a crispy top crust.
Ingredients
Pasta and Eggs
- 16 ounces Spaghetti
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 5 TBSP Butter, Melted
Cheese and Cream Mixture
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
- 2 10 ounce Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, divided
Extras and Seasoning
- 1 pound Sun Dried Tomatoes
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- Bacon (amount as needed for cooking, crumbled, approx. 6 slices or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside to prevent the pasta from sticking during baking.
- Cook Spaghetti and Bacon: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, place on paper towels to drain excess fat, then crumble once cooled.
- Mix Parmesan Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and Parmesan cheese thoroughly. Toss this mixture with the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles to coat them evenly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix everything together until fully incorporated.
- Layer the Bake: Pour half of the coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cream cheese and chicken mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Repeat another layer with the remaining spaghetti and then the remaining cream mixture. Finally, top the casserole with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest before Serving: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth to the dish; ensure they are well drained if packed in oil.
- Use cooked shredded chicken from leftovers or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste—more garlic or Italian seasoning can enhance flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving—cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 782 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1316 mg
- Fat: 53 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
