Bacon-Infused Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: Ultimate Comfort Food

The aroma of this bacon-infused chicken spaghetti casserole baking in my oven instantly transports me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s table. This Southern classic combines al dente pasta, tender shredded chicken, and crispy bacon in a creamy, cheesy sauce that defines comfort food. What makes this version special is the addition of smoky bacon, which elevates the flavor profile beyond the traditional recipe.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile dish allows you to use leftover chicken or quickly boil a couple of pieces while your pasta cooks. In just over an hour, you’ll have a hearty, homey meal that guarantees clean plates and requests for seconds from everyone at your table.

chicken spaghetti casserole on a plate and glass baking dish.

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Why this is the best recipe for chicken spaghetti

The science behind this perfect casserole lies in texture contrast and flavor layering. The slightly undercooked pasta absorbs excess moisture during baking without becoming mushy. Bacon provides two elements: the rendered fat creates a flavorful base for the sauce, while the crispy bits add textural contrast.

The roux-based sauce ensures a silky, never grainy texture that clings perfectly to the spaghetti. American cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, while Parmesan creates a golden, slightly crunchy topping. The frozen peas maintain their bright color and slight firmness, adding freshness to balance the richness. Together, these elements create a harmonious dish where each component enhances the others without any single flavor overwhelming.

Baked chicken spaghetti ingredients

The ingredients for this baked spaghetti casserole are basic, and most of them are probably staples in your kitchen already.

For the Base

  • Spaghetti – Forms the hearty foundation of the casserole
  • Chicken – Provides lean protein and substantial texture
  • Bacon – Adds smoky depth and crispy texture contrast
  • Onion – Creates aromatic sweetness when sautéed
  • Garlic – Contributes essential savory notes

For the Sauce

  • All-purpose flour – Works with bacon fat to create a thickening roux
  • Milk – Forms the creamy base of the sauce
  • Canned tomatoes – Add acidity to balance the rich sauce
  • Cream of mushroom soup – Provides body and umami depth
  • American cheese – Melts perfectly for a smooth, creamy texture
  • Parmesan cheese – Creates a flavorful, crispy topping when baked
  • Frozen peas – Add color, freshness, and nutritional value
chicken spaghetti casserole ingredients on a tray.

How to make chicken spaghetti casserole

This baked chicken spaghetti recipe is an uncomplicated dinner casserole to feed your family. Here’s how you make this easy chicken dish:

  1. Cook the spaghetti in a pot according to the package directions. Drain the spaghetti noodles and set aside.
cooked spaghetti in a bowl.
  1. Cook the bacon, onion, and garlic in a large pan.
browned bacon pieces and onions in a pot.
  1. Add flour, stir it in, and cook it for a minute.
cooking flour, bacon, onion, and garlic in a pot.
  1. Add the tomatoes and milk, and cook until the mixture is thickened.
chicken spaghetti casserole sauce mixture.
  1. Stir in the American cheese.
adding shredded cheese to a pot.
  1. Add the spaghetti, chicken, and peas. Stir to combine it all.
adding chicken, spaghetti, and peas to a pot.
  1. Place the mixture in a 2½-quart casserole dish.
  2. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
chicken spaghetti casserole in a glass baking dish.

Recipe tips

Don’t overcook the pasta. Boil the spaghetti until it’s just al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven and won’t end up being too mushy.

This recipe includes a Parmesan cheese topping. You could also mix the Parmesan with shredded mozzarella for an even more cheesy crust. These combined cheeses give the Parmesan a melty texture and a lovely aged, nutty flavor.

Cover the casserole dish when baking to keep everything moist. If you like the cheese topping browned, pop the dish under the broiler for a few minutes right before serving.

Recipe variations

This chicken pasta casserole is a basic dish you can tweak in various ways to suit your family’s taste preferences and your need to use leftovers.

  • For a slightly spicy sauce, stir in some red pepper flakes.
  • If you like a herby taste, mix in some freshly chopped basil, oregano, or parsley.
  • Add more veggies – sauteed red bell pepper, spinach, or zucchini.
  • If you have leftovers other than chicken, you can use those instead, e.g., baked ham or roast turkey.
chicken spaghetti casserole on a plate.
chicken spaghetti casserole on a plate and glass baking dish.

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A Southern comfort classic elevated with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that's perfect for weeknight dinners.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole Recipes, Chicken Recipes, Chicken Spaghetti Bake, Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 299kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 slices bacon chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 16 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • 10.75 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded American cheese
  • 2 cups cubed chicken fully cooked
  • 10 ounces frozen green peas thawed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Break the spaghetti in half, and cook according to the package directions. Drain.
  • In a large saucepan, cook the bacon, onion, and garlic until the bacon is crisp.
  • Add the flour and whisk it into the bacon mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the undrained tomatoes, soup, and milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
  • Add shredded American cheese and stir until it has melted.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti, cubed chicken, and thawed peas.
  • Place the mixture into a 2½-quart casserole dish
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake for 45 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 763mg | Potassium: 451mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 675IU | Vitamin C: 20.7mg | Calcium: 307mg | Iron: 2.3mg

What to serve with spaghetti chicken casserole

Baked chicken spaghetti is rich and quite filling. It doesn’t need fussy side dishes. So serve it with parmesan garlic bread, breadsticks, or Texas toast. It also pairs well with a fresh garden salad, cucumber salad, spinach salad, or roasted broccoli.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Refrigerator Storage

  • Leftovers: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days
  • Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through
  • Make-Ahead (Refrigerator):
    1. Assemble casserole completely but do not bake
    2. Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
    3. Refrigerate for up to 2 days
    4. Remove plastic wrap, recover with foil
    5. Bake covered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes
    6. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more until hot and bubbly

Freezer Storage

Important: If using glass bakeware, thaw in the refrigerator first to prevent thermal shock

Freezing Method:

  1. Line the casserole dish with parchment paper before filling
  2. Assemble completely, but do not bake
  3. Freeze until solid
  4. Use parchment to remove frozen casserole
  5. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil
  6. Freeze for up to 4 months

Cooking From Frozen:

  • Return to the original dish
  • Cover with foil
  • Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, covered
  • Remove foil and bakefor 10 more minutes
overhead view of chicken spaghetti casserole.

More baked pasta dishes

Favorite casserole recipes

Check out my easy casserole recipes and the best chicken dinner recipes here on CopyKat!

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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