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Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti Recipe (Creamy Baked)

Name: Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti Recipe (Creamy Baked)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti noodles; 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

calendar_today September 3, 2026 schedule 5 min read

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Prep

25 minutes

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Cook

35 minutes

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Rest

10 minutes

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Servings

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Calories

420 kcal

This Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that brings everyone to the table. Featuring tender shredded chicken, al dente spaghetti, a rich sauce made with cream of chicken soup, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese, it’s baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a cherished American classic, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave a heartwarming, satisfying meal. It embodies the essence of home cooking and community gatherings.

restaurant_menu Ingredients format_list_numbered Instructions

restaurant_menu Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

check 1 pound spaghetti noodles check 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded check 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup check 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained check 1/2 cup sour cream check 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided check 2 cloves garlic, minced check 1 tsp onion powder check 1/2 tsp kosher salt check 1/4 tsp black pepper

hardware Essential Tools

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9x13-inch baking dish

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Large pot

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Large mixing bowl

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Colander

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Sturdy spoon or spatula

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Measuring cups and spoons

format_list_numbered Preparation

Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and prevents sticking.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is uniform.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken mixture. Gently fold the spaghetti into the sauce until every strand is coated, being careful not to break the noodles.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle two-thirds of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining one-third of cheddar cheese, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Let the Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set, making for cleaner, more defined servings.

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Try These Variations

Spicy Kick

For those who love a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. You could also swap in a can of spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra layer of warmth in your Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti, adjusting to your personal preference.

Vegetable Boost

Enhance the nutritional value and texture by folding in sautéed bell peppers, finely diced celery, or even some frozen peas or corn during the mixing stage. These additions not only add vibrant color but also extra vitamins and fiber to your Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti.

Cheese Blend

While cheddar is classic, try experimenting with a blend of cheeses. A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of smoked Gouda could add a more complex, gourmet flavor profile. The smoked Gouda would introduce a lovely depth to the creamy sauce.

Creamy Mushroom

If you enjoy mushrooms, sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms until golden brown and add them to the chicken mixture. This will add an earthy, umami flavor that complements the richness of the Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti beautifully, making it even more hearty and satisfying.

Chef's Pro Tips

Shredding Chicken for Tenderness

To achieve truly tender shredded chicken, poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering, not boiling, water or broth until just cooked through. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and stringy. Once cooled slightly, shred it by hand or with two forks. The subtle shredding technique ensures the chicken absorbs the sauce more effectively, making each bite of Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti moist and flavorful.

Al Dente is Non-Negotiable

Cooking your spaghetti al dente is paramount. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and cook in the oven, softening further. If you start with overcooked, soft pasta, you’ll end up with a mushy, unappetizing texture in your finished Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti. A slight bite ensures structural integrity and a pleasing mouthfeel.

Layering Cheese for the Perfect Crust

Instead of mixing all the cheese into the casserole, reserving a portion to sprinkle on top halfway through baking creates a superior crust. This allows the initial cheese to meld into the sauce, while the second layer provides that irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown, slightly crispy top that everyone craves, adding textural contrast to the creamy Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti.

Seasoning in Layers

Don’t rely solely on the canned soup for flavor. Taste your sauce mixture before adding the spaghetti. Adjust salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder to your liking. Building flavor in layers ensures a well-rounded and deeply satisfying Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti, rather than a bland or one-note dish. A little fresh parsley or chives stirred in at the end can also brighten the flavors.

Storage Guide

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Refrigerator

Allow the Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti to cool completely to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking) before transferring it to an airtight container or leaving it in its baking dish tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure it’s sealed properly to prevent drying out and absorption of other food odors.

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Freezer

For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe baking dish, tightly wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil, or portion it into individual freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, it will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results, or bake from frozen (covered) for a longer period.

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Reheating

To reheat a large portion from the refrigerator, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For individual servings, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, until piping hot. If the casserole seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out further.

Avoid These Mistakes

✕ Overcooking the Spaghetti

The most common error is cooking the spaghetti until it’s too soft before baking. The pasta will continue to cook and absorb moisture in the oven, leading to a mushy, unappetizing texture. Always cook spaghetti to a firm al dente stage, meaning it still has a slight bite, to ensure it finishes perfectly tender in the Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti.

✕ Insufficient Seasoning

Relying solely on the cream of chicken soup for flavor can result in a bland casserole. It’s crucial to season the sauce mixture generously with salt, black pepper, and additional garlic and onion powder. Taste the sauce before adding the spaghetti and adjust as needed to ensure a robust and well-balanced flavor in your Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti.

✕ Not Allowing Rest Time

Pulling the casserole directly from the oven and serving immediately can lead to a runny, messy dish. Just like a lasagna, Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti benefits from a 5-10 minute rest after baking. This allows the creamy sauce to set and firm up, ensuring that each serving holds its shape beautifully and is less likely to spill onto the plate.

nutrition Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 1.5 cups

420 kcal Calories

30g Protein

40g Carbohydrates

17g Fat

8g Saturated Fat

70mg Cholesterol

850mg Sodium

3g Fiber

4g Sugar

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

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There you have it – my take on a classic Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti. This dish isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the warmth, the memories, and the joy it brings to the table. It’s a testament to the power of simple, honest cooking that nourishes both body and soul. I encourage you to try this recipe in your own kitchen, gather your loved ones, and create your own cherished memories around this comforting casserole. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!

Find more comforting American recipes and culinary inspiration at HomeRecipes.com.

sell Related Topics

#chicken spaghetti casserole #creamy chicken pasta bake #easy comfort food #potluck casserole #family chicken dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time? expand_more

Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can assemble the entire dish, minus the final cheese topping, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, pull it out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand to come closer to room temperature, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe? expand_more

For the best flavor and texture in your Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti, I highly recommend using freshly cooked, shredded chicken. You can poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in seasoned water or broth until tender, then shred them with two forks. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is also an excellent shortcut if you're short on time, offering tender, flavorful meat. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones before shredding.

Can I add vegetables to this Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti? expand_more

Yes, and I encourage it! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced celery, or even frozen peas or corn can be added to the chicken mixture for extra flavor, nutrition, and color. If using fresh vegetables like bell peppers or celery, I suggest sautéing them lightly before adding them to the sauce mixture to ensure they are tender when the casserole finishes baking. Add frozen vegetables directly to the mix.

Why is my Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti too runny or too dry? expand_more

If your casserole is too runny, it might be due to overcooked spaghetti that released too much starch, or not draining the tomatoes with green chilies thoroughly enough. Ensure your spaghetti is al dente. If it's too dry, it could be that your oven runs hot, or the casserole baked for too long, causing too much moisture to evaporate. Next time, cook the spaghetti slightly less, and consider covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking to lock in moisture, removing it only for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese. Adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating can also help.

Can I use a different type of pasta? expand_more

While spaghetti is traditional for Church Supper Chicken Spaghetti, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes! Medium-sized pasta like penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook them al dente according to their package directions before mixing them into the sauce. The key is to choose a shape that can hold the creamy sauce well and provides a good textural contrast to the chicken.