If you’re craving pure Southern comfort, this chicken spaghetti recipe Paula Deen style is calling your name! 😋 I absolutely love how creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible this dish turns out. It’s the kind of hearty casserole that brings everyone running to the dinner table. 🔥
Ingredients for chicken spaghetti recipe paula deen
Here’s everything you need to create this delicious Southern-style chicken spaghetti Paula Deen casserole!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Cooked and diced |
| Spaghetti Pasta 🍝 | 12 oz | Uncooked |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup 🍄 | 1 cup | Condensed, undiluted |
| Cream of Chicken Soup 🥫 | 1 cup | Condensed, undiluted |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 2 cup | Shredded, divided |
| Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies 🍅 | 1 cup | Drained, like Rotel |
| Chicken Broth 🥣 | 1 cup | Low sodium preferred |
| Yellow Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Diced |
| Green Bell Pepper 🫑 | 1 whole | Diced |
| Garlic 🧄 | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Unsalted |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | To taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Garlic Powder ✨ | ½ tsp | Optional for extra flavor |
[recipe_ingredient_scaler]
For the best quality ingredients, pick up your chicken breasts from Whole Foods or your local butcher. I recommend Campbell's condensed soups and Tillamook sharp cheddar cheese for authentic Southern flavor. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies can be found at most grocery stores like Kroger or Publix.
If you can't find Rotel, substitute with regular diced tomatoes plus a small can of green chilies. Look for chicken breasts that are pink and firm with no gray spots. You can swap Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for cheddar if preferred. Fresh rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a time-saving alternative.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This casserole freezes beautifully for up to three months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Spaghetti Paula Deen
Let me walk you through making this Southern classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds at your dinner table.
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Pasta
I start by placing 3 pounds of chicken breasts in a large pot and covering them with water. I add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring everything to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, I reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
While the chicken cooks, I save 2 cups of the chicken broth in a separate bowl before draining the rest. Once the chicken cools for about 10 minutes, I shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. In the same pot, I cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, I melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. I add 1 diced onion and 1 diced green bell pepper, cooking them for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where that wonderful Southern aroma starts filling your kitchen.
Next, I stir in one 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup and one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup. I pour in the reserved 2 cups of chicken broth and add one 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. I season everything with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt, stirring until it’s smooth and well combined.
👨🍳 Step 3: Combine and Bake
I preheat my oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In the largest mixing bowl I have, I combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and the creamy sauce mixture. I fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, making sure everything is evenly distributed throughout.
I transfer this glorious mixture into my prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then I top it with another 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, creating that beautiful golden crust Paula Deen is famous for. I bake it uncovered for 30-35 minutes until it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.
Best Sauces and Condiments for This Dish
When it comes to saucing up Paula Deen’s chicken spaghetti, I always start with a drizzle of hot sauce right on top—my go-to is Frank’s RedHot or Crystal for that classic Southern kick. 🌶️ These vinegar-based hot sauces cut through the richness beautifully without overpowering the creamy cheese sauce. Just a few dashes add brightness and heat that makes every bite more exciting. I keep the bottle on the table so everyone can adjust to their preference!
For a sweeter contrast, honey butter is absolutely divine alongside this dish. I mix equal parts softened butter with good quality honey (local if possible), and it’s perfect for spreading on garlic bread or even drizzling lightly over a serving of the casserole. 🍯 The sweet-savory combination is surprisingly addictive—trust me on this one! You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for extra Southern charm.
If you want something with more complexity, try comeback sauce, which is a Southern staple that works wonderfully here. Mix together mayonnaise, chili sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy, slightly spicy condiment that complements the creamy pasta perfectly. Zax Sauce from Zaxby’s is a similar store-bought option that saves time while delivering that signature Southern flavor profile.
Don’t overlook ranch dressing either—I know it sounds simple, but a good Hidden Valley Ranch or homemade buttermilk ranch adds cooling creaminess and herby notes that balance the richness. For homemade, whisk together buttermilk, mayo, sour cream, fresh dill, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper. It’s especially great if you’ve added extra Rotel tomatoes to your chicken spaghetti for some heat!
Finally, keep some grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes at the table—these aren’t sauces per se, but they’re essential condiments for customizing each serving. The nutty, salty Parmesan adds another layer of cheesy goodness, while the pepper flakes let heat-lovers dial up the spice. I also love finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness! 🍋
Nutrition Facts
485kcal
[recipe_ingredient_scaler]
Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
- Recipe for Boneless Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet: Sear and Baste to Juicy Perfection - October 3, 2026
- Recipe for Boneless Cross Rib Roast: Slow-Roasted Beef with Herb Crust - October 3, 2026
- Hamburgers in Sauce Recipe Crock Pot: Slow-Cooked Savory Delight - October 3, 2026