The Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any busy family. You will love how this Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti Recipe brings everyone to the table with its cheesy, creamy goodness.
It is a simple dish that tastes like it took hours to make. This meal is perfect for cozy Sunday dinners or quick weeknight eats. Your kids will ask for seconds every single time you serve this warm and bubbly pasta bake.
My Experience With This Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
I first tried this recipe on a rainy Tuesday evening. I needed something warm and filling for my hungry family. I had some leftover roasted chicken in the fridge.
This recipe was the perfect way to use it up. As soon as the butter started melting with the onions, the kitchen smelled amazing. The combination of alfredo sauce and melted cheese is truly a dream.
It reminded me of the classic Southern potlucks I attended as a child. Every bite is rich, creamy and full of flavor. I was surprised at how fast the prep work went. My family finished their plates in record time.
We did not even have any leftovers for lunch the next day! It has now become a staple in our home. I love how it makes the whole house feel cozy and inviting.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti
- Servings: 8 people
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large stockpot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining spaghetti
- Large skillet for making the sauce
- 3-quart baking dish or 9×13 pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) jar of creamy alfredo sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) package processed cheese product (like Velveeta), cubed
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained well
- 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/3 cup green onions, chopped for flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Preheat and Prep the Dish First, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 3-quart baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the sides during the baking process.
Sauté the Aromatics Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook them for about seven minutes until the onions are soft and clear.
Create the Cheesy Sauce Stir the alfredo sauce and cubed processed cheese into the skillet. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted. The sauce should look very smooth, thick, and rich before moving forward.
Combine the Ingredients Add the drained tomatoes, cooked spaghetti, and shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir in the green onions and Italian seasoning. Mix everything gently until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Bake Until Bubbly Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges bubble.
Rest and Serve Remove the dish from the oven carefully. Let the spaghetti sit for about five minutes before you serve it. This resting time helps the sauce thicken up so it stays on the pasta.
Recipe Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Buy a pre-cooked chicken from the store to save time. It is already seasoned and very tender.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Boil your spaghetti for two minutes less than the package says. It will finish cooking in the oven.
- Spice It Up: Add a can of Rotel tomatoes if you want a little kick. The green chilies add great flavor.
- Cheese Swaps: You can use Pepper Jack cheese for more heat. Mozzarella also works well for a milder taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Top the finished dish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh bite.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Total Carbs | 32g |
| Protein | 24g |
Serving Suggestions
When you serve this dish, try to plate it while it is still very hot. Use a large spoon to get plenty of the cheesy sauce from the bottom. You can garnish each plate with a few extra green onions.
Some people like to add a dash of black pepper on top. It looks beautiful in a shallow pasta bowl. Make sure to serve it immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Best Sides To Serve With
This heavy pasta dish goes best with something light and crisp. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect choice. You can also serve it with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
Garlic bread is another classic side that everyone loves. It is great for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate. Some people even enjoy a side of corn on the cob for a true Southern feel.
Storage and Reheating Tips
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three or four days. To reheat, put a portion in the microwave for two minutes.
You can also put the whole dish back in the oven at 300 degrees. Add a splash of milk or water before reheating to keep it moist. This dish also freezes well for up to two months in a freezer-safe bag.
Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce jar of creamy alfredo sauce
- 1 8-ounce package processed cheese product (like Velveeta), cubed
- 2 15.5-ounce cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained well
- 1 16-ounce package spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 1/3 cup green onions chopped for flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep the Dish First, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 3-quart baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the sides during the baking process.
- Sauté the Aromatics Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook them for about seven minutes until the onions are soft and clear.
- Create the Cheesy Sauce Stir the alfredo sauce and cubed processed cheese into the skillet. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted. The sauce should look very smooth, thick, and rich before moving forward.
- Combine the Ingredients Add the drained tomatoes, cooked spaghetti, and shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir in the green onions and Italian seasoning. Mix everything gently until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Bake Until Bubbly Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges bubble.
- Rest and Serve Remove the dish from the oven carefully. Let the spaghetti sit for about five minutes before you serve it. This resting time helps the sauce thicken up so it stays on the pasta.
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Buy a pre-cooked chicken from the store to save time. It is already seasoned and very tender.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Boil your spaghetti for two minutes less than the package says. It will finish cooking in the oven.
- Spice It Up: Add a can of Rotel tomatoes if you want a little kick. The green chilies add great flavor.
- Cheese Swaps: You can use Pepper Jack cheese for more heat. Mozzarella also works well for a milder taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Top the finished dish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh bite.
FAQs about Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the whole dish a day early. Cover it tightly with foil and keep it in the fridge. Just add ten minutes to the baking time when you are ready.
What kind of pasta works best besides spaghetti? You can use penne, rotini, or even bow tie pasta. Any shape that holds sauce well will work. Just make sure to cook it to al dente first.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter? You can use low-fat alfredo sauce and reduced-fat cheese. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach also helps. It will still be very delicious and filling.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! This is a great recipe for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. The flavors work perfectly with the creamy sauce and pasta.
Conclusion
The Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a true winner for any home cook. It combines simple ingredients into a meal that feels special and hearty.
Whether you are feeding a crowd or just your family, this dish never fails. It is easy to customize and even easier to clean up.
Give this recipe a try tonight and watch it become a new favorite. You will love the cheesy smiles it brings to your dinner table!
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
