I absolutely love this Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe because it s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels fancy but comes together surprisingly easily. Whenever I have friends or family over, they always ask for seconds-and honestly, it s not hard to see why. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese meld beautifully with the spaghetti, making each bite a rich and satisfying experience.
You’ll find that this recipe works well for potlucks, family dinners, or even a cozy weekend meal when you want something hearty but fuss-free. What makes this Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures-from the subtle tang of sour cream to the savory hint of sun-dried tomatoes. If you re wondering how to impress without stress, this one s definitely worth a try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Comfort Food: The creamy sauce and melted cheese make this dish pure comfort in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow successfully.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields a hearty amount, great for potlucks or family meals.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily tweak add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that creamy, cheesy, just-right flavor profile that makes the Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe so memorable. When shopping, look for quality shredded chicken and soft cream cheese to get the best results.
- Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works perfectly; cook it al dente so it holds up well during baking.
- Eggs: They help bind the pasta and sauce, adding richness and structure.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the creaminess.
- Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and depth to the pasta.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it s softened for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a savory base that keeps the casserole nice and moist.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess without being overpowering.
- Shredded Chicken: You can use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible gooey top layer.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a wonderful burst of sweet, tangy flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and aroma.
- Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle savory kick without overpowering.
- Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Variations
I always encourage you to make this Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe your own. I ve tried quite a few variations over the years, and each one adds a little something special depending on what you re in the mood for.
- Add Veggies: Sometimes I toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra color and nutrients. It brightens up the dish without changing the comforting vibe.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or swapping out Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning made a pleasantly spicy version my family really enjoyed.
- Dairy-Free Version: You can substitute cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free shredded cheese blend; just keep an eye on sauce thickness.
- Protein Swap: Use shredded turkey or even cooked crumbled sausage for a different but delicious take.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Spaghetti
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly oiling a 9×13 inch baking dish so the casserole doesn t stick. Next, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions but aim to pull it off the heat just before it s fully tender-al dente is key here so it doesn t turn mushy once baked. Drain it well and set aside while you mix up the sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Butter, Eggs, and Parmesan
In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, eggs, and parmesan cheese. This mixture gets tossed with the cooked spaghetti noodles for a delicious coating that helps bind the whole dish together. Make sure your butter is fully melted and eggs room temperature to avoid lumps and to mix evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Sauce Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese (softened for easy mixing), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and all your seasonings-Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder. This creates that rich, flavorful base that lives up to the Million Dollar name. Make sure everything is well combined for an even taste throughout.
Step 4: Layer the Spaghetti and Sauce
Pour half of your coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the creamy sauce mixture evenly on top. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and sauce, then finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese. This layering ensures every forkful has a perfect balance of noodles and sauce.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for about 30 to 45 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. You ll know it s done when the edges are simmering and the cheese is melted and inviting. If you like a crustier top, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch it carefully so it doesn t burn.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Helps the egg mixture blend smoothly with the butter and pasta without curdling.
- Don t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking it al dente means the noodles won t turn mushy after baking, preserving perfect texture.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: This ensures a velvety sauce and prevents lumps in the casserole.
- Even Layering: Spreading each layer evenly guarantees every bite is packed with flavor and cheese.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves to add a bit of freshness and color contrast. Sometimes, a little extra parmesan on top right after serving is a nice touch. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top is fantastic too.
Side Dishes
This Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. I ve also served it with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce, and that s always a hit at my table.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake this in individual ramekins for a lovely personal touch. Layering in clear glass dishes lets you show off the beautiful layers inside, which always impress guests. Garnishing with edible flowers or placing it alongside a colorful salad platter turns it into a festive feast centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, let the dish cool completely before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and it tastes just as good reheated, sometimes even better as the flavors meld.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! To freeze, assemble the dish but don t bake it yet. Wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. When ready, bake directly from frozen-just add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time and cover with foil until heated through.
Reheating
When reheating, cover the portion with foil to prevent drying out, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. I like to check midway and give it a stir to keep the moisture even. Microwave works too but tends to make the spaghetti a bit softer.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you re using fresh chicken breasts or thighs, cook them through by boiling, baking, or sautéing, then shred them before mixing into the casserole. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled enough to handle for shredding.
-
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta varieties, making sure to cook according to those package instructions. Also, check that your cream of chicken soup and other seasonings are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for dietary needs.
-
Can I prepare Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to eat, just bake it as directed-this actually helps the flavors deepen and come together even better.
-
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, chopped roasted red peppers make a great substitute, offering a similar tangy sweetness. You can also omit them entirely and add a bit more seasoning to keep the flavor balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is truly one of my go-to comfort foods that never fails to impress. It s cozy, flavorful, and shares so well-perfect for feeding family and friends without hours in the kitchen. If you re looking for an easy casserole that feels special and delicious, give this one a try. I promise, once you make it, it ll become a treasured recipe in your rotation too!
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 dish loaded with shredded chicken, a blend of cheeses, and flavorful seasonings. This comforting casserole combines spaghetti noodles with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mozzarella, layered and baked to bubbly perfection. Topped with crispy bacon and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s an indulgent crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces spaghetti
Egg Mixture
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 5 tablespoons 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
Additional Ingredients
- 1 pound sun dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: bacon (amount not specified in original, estimated 6 slices for crumbling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside for later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon strips and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. (Estimated 6 slices for the recipe).
- Make Egg and Parmesan Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Combine Egg Mixture with Spaghetti: Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the egg and Parmesan mixture until noodles are evenly coated.
- Mix Cheese and Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, sun dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the coated spaghetti noodles evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cheese and chicken mixture. Repeat with remaining spaghetti and cheese mixture layers. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and flavorful chicken spaghetti casserole.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- If sun dried tomatoes are dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water before using.
- Bacon adds great flavor and texture but can be omitted or substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking cold.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/10th of recipe)
- Calories: 782 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1316 mg
- Fat: 53 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
