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.

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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

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.

2. Cook the bacon, onion, and garlic in a large pan.

3. Add flour, stir it in, and cook it for a minute.

4. Add the tomatoes and milk, and cook until the mixture is thickened.

5. Stir in the American cheese.

6. Add the spaghetti, chicken, and peas. Stir to combine it all.

7. Place the mixture in a 2½-quart casserole dish.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
9. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

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.

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

More baked pasta dishes

• Baked Ziti
• Cheese Lasagna
• Stuffed Manicotti
• Taco Spaghetti

Favorite casserole recipes

• Chicken and Dressing Casserole
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
• Cracker Barrel Chicken Casserole (with cornbread topping)
• Ground Beef Casserole
• Mexican Casserole with Tortillas
• Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
• Sausage Casserole
• Spaghetti Casserole (alternative to lasagna)
• Taco Casserole
• Tarragon Chicken Casserole

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