This rich and creamy baked chicken spaghetti dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, a velvety cheese sauce, and golden-browned mozzarella for a meal that feels as indulgent as it sounds. Perfect for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing potluck!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and comforting casserole that’s destined to become a family favorite. Layers of tender spaghetti, shredded chicken, and a luscious cheesy sauce make this dish a weeknight hero or a potluck superstar. The golden-brown mozzarella topping seals the deal, creating a perfectly gooey, satisfying bite. It’s indulgent yet simple to prepare, and the name says it all—it tastes like a million bucks!
Key Ingredients
Spaghetti Noodles: The foundation of this dish, cooked al dente to hold up to the creamy layers.
Cream Cheese: Adds a velvety texture and tangy flavor to the cheese sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Both in the filling and on top, mozzarella ensures gooey, stretchy cheesiness.
Parmesan Cheese: Lends a nutty, savory depth that enhances the cheesy sauce.
Half and Half: Provides creaminess without being overly heavy, balancing the richness.
Shredded Chicken: The protein-packed star of the dish. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper combine to create a flavorful, well-rounded sauce.
Parsley: Optional, but fresh parsley adds brightness and color to the final dish.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly oil a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cook Spaghetti
Boil water and cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare Cheesy Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine:
Softened cream cheese
2 cups of mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Shredded chicken
Half and half
Oregano
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Mix until creamy and fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Dish
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly into the greased baking dish.
Top with half of the cheesy sauce mixture to create the first layer.
5. Layer Again
Add another layer of spaghetti noodles on top of the first layer.
Spread the remaining cheesy sauce mixture evenly over the second layer of spaghetti.
6. Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbling.
8. Broil for Golden Brown Top
Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil.
Broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
9. Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti is a meal in itself, but pairing it with sides can make your dinner table shine:
Simple Green Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up the cheesy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition and texture.
Beverages: Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing accompaniment.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.
Variations
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Veggie-Loaded: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak in extra veggies.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free spaghetti noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with cooked turkey or ham for a fun twist.
Low-Fat Alternative: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, half and half, and part-skim mozzarella to lighten the dish.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti lives up to its name with a rich, creamy texture and comforting flavors that are worth every penny! Perfect for a family meal, a potluck, or even as a make-ahead freezer meal, this casserole is versatile, indulgent, and endlessly satisfying. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become a repeat request in your household. So preheat your oven and get ready to serve up a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular!
Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 16 oz spaghetti noodles
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups half and half
- 2.5 cups shredded chicken
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
- fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, shredded chicken, half and half, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and fully incorporated.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly into the greased baking dish. Top with half of the cheesy sauce mixture to create the first layer.
- Add another layer of spaghetti noodles on top of the first layer. Spread the remaining cheesy sauce mixture evenly over the second layer of spaghetti.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.
- Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
