Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Homemade Cream Sauce (No Canned Soup!)

This cheesy chicken spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food! Made from scratch with a creamy homemade sauce—no canned soup needed—this dish is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s one of my go-to meals for sharing with friends who could use a little extra love and care. Whether it’s dropped off as part of a meal train or served around your own table, you’ll be seeing clean plates in no time.

Related: Love these flavors, but want a head start using canned soup? Try my easy chicken tetrazzini. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for busy nights or last‑minute meal train deliveries—same cozy vibe with a shortcut.

Making the cream sauce from scratch might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple. A little butter, flour, broth, and half and half come together to create the base, and sharp cheddar cheese gives it that irresistible cheesy pull. Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles for a pop of flavor and color, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that will be gone in no time.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Spaghetti (No Canned Soup)

• Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Spaghetti (No Canned Soup)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
• Spaghetti, broken in half for easier serving
• Butter
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced (fresh or jarred)
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken broth (Better Than Bouillon makes a flavorful option)
• Half-and-half or heavy cream for extra richness
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Shredded sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel), drained

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti (Step-by-Step)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
     
2. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F.
   • Spray a 9×13” baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions & Garlic:
   • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
   • Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
     
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add chicken to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   • Cook until the chicken is just cooked through (avoid overcooking, as it will continue to cook in the sauce and oven).
     
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture and stir to coat.
   • Slowly add 1 cup of broth, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth.
   • Gradually pour in the remaining broth, stirring continuously.
   • Stir in half and half (or heavy cream) and bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Let the sauce thicken slightly, then stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese. Continue to cook until the cheese is fully melted.
     
6. Combine Everything:
   • Turn off the heat and stir in drained diced tomatoes with green chiles.
   • Mix in the cooked spaghetti until fully coated in the sauce.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
     
7. Assemble & Bake:
   • Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese evenly over the top.
   • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
     
8. Rest & Serve:
   • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set up before serving.
     

Serve & Enjoy!

This creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti is perfect for sharing with a friend in need of comfort. Serve with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal! 

Bringing a meal to a friend is one of the kindest ways to show you care. This simple meal giving checklist takes the guesswork out of it, giving you everything you need to make your delivery thoughtful and stress-free. From choosing the right containers to adding clear labels and a little extra touch of love, these tips will help your meal feel like a true gift of comfort and care.

More Caring Casseroles to Share

If you love this homemade chicken spaghetti, here are more reader-favorite casseroles perfect for sharing:

• Chicken Divan – Tender chicken and broccoli tucked in a creamy sauce and topped with buttery crumbs. Comforting and freezer-friendly.
  
• Bubble Pizza Casserole – All the pizza flavors baked into a bubbly biscuit casserole. Kid-approved and great for meal trains.
  
• Southwest Vegetarian Bake – Beans, corn, peppers, and zesty seasoning in a hearty, colorful bake. A delicious veggie option.
  
• Baked Spaghetti – Layers of saucy spaghetti and creamy cheese baked until golden. Classic, cozy, and crowd-pleasing.