Go Back
- 8 oz spaghetti - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley The main ingredients create the heart of the dish. Spaghetti forms a sturdy base. Cream cheese and sour cream add a rich, creamy texture. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the dish a nice stretch. You can choose cooked chicken or ground turkey for protein. Seasonings and extras elevate the flavors. Diced tomatoes with green chilies give a hint of spice. Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning blend well for a savory taste. Adjust salt and pepper to make it just right for you. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can chop it finely or leave it in larger pieces. This dish not only looks good, but it also tastes great! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares it for baking the casserole. Cook the Spaghetti Next, cook 8 oz of spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want it al dente. Once done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Combine Cream Cheese and Sour Cream In a mixing bowl, take 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream. Blend these until smooth and creamy. Add Chicken and Seasonings Now, stir in 1 cup of cooked and shredded chicken (or ground turkey). Add 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained, along with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine. Mixing Spaghetti and Cheese Mixture Add the cooked spaghetti to your cheese mixture. Gently fold it in until the spaghetti is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Transferring to Casserole Dish Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. Topping with Mozzarella Cheese Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust. Baking Time and Temperature Place your casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooling Period Once it’s done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti To cook your spaghetti just right, follow these steps: - Boil water in a large pot. - Add a good amount of salt. - Cook the spaghetti according to the package. Aim for al dente, which means firm but tender. - Drain the spaghetti, but do not rinse. This keeps the starch, which helps the sauce stick. Achieving a Creamy Texture For a smooth and creamy casserole, use soft cream cheese. Blend it with sour cream until it's very smooth. If you want extra creaminess, use more sour cream or add a splash of milk. Best Side Dishes to Pair Pair your casserole with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds crunch. Garlic bread brings a nice warmth to your meal. Presentation Tips for Serving Serve the casserole in individual bowls. It looks nice and makes it easy to eat. Sprinkle some extra Italian seasoning on top to add color and flavor. Freezing Options You can make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Reheating Instructions To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Make sure it's hot all the way through before serving. Pro Tips Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a little heat and depth of flavor. Make it Creamier: For an even creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to the cheese mixture. Leftover Makeover: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or using up leftovers. Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken or turkey for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version. {{image_2}} Vegetarian Version You can make a vegetarian Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole easily. Swap out the chicken or turkey for your favorite veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach work great. Just chop them up and mix them in with the cream cheese and sour cream. This makes the dish colorful and full of flavor. Substituting with Ground Beef If you want a heartier dish, ground beef is a tasty option. Brown the beef first and drain any fat. Then, mix it with the other ingredients just as you would with chicken. This adds a rich, meaty flavor to the casserole. Using Gluten-Free Pasta For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options that taste great. Cook it just like regular pasta. Then, follow the same steps for mixing and baking. Everyone can enjoy this dish without worry. Adding Vegetables Adding more veggies can boost nutrition. Try mixing in broccoli, mushrooms, or carrots. Just make sure they are chopped small so they cook well. This adds great texture and flavor to the casserole. Different Cheese Options You can switch up the cheese for more variety. Try adding cheddar or pepper jack for a different taste. Mixing cheeses can make the dish even creamier and more exciting. Just be sure to keep the same amount of cheese for the best texture. After you enjoy your creamy casserole, save the leftovers for later. First, let the dish cool down before storing. Place the casserole in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for days. - Use a shallow container for even cooling. - Label the container with the date. Store your leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3-5 days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it in the oven or microwave. If you want to keep the casserole longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze it before or after baking. - For freezing before baking, wrap the dish tightly. Use plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. - For freezing after baking, let it cool completely first. Then, store it in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. After that, you can bake it at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot and bubbly. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Enjoy the easy meal that tastes just as good as fresh! Can I use a different pasta type? Yes, you can use any pasta type you like. Penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Just cook it until al dente, as you would with spaghetti. How to make it spicier? To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy diced tomatoes instead of the regular kind. What is the calorie count per serving? Each serving has about 400-450 calories. This can change based on the type of meat and cheese you use. How to reduce fat content? You can lower fat by using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Using lean chicken or turkey also helps. Can I make this casserole in advance? Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you're ready to serve. What to do if it's too dry? If your casserole is dry, try adding a splash of chicken broth or extra sour cream before baking. This will keep it moist and flavorful. This post shared a tasty casserole recipe. You learned about key ingredients and seasoning options. I included step-by-step instructions for perfect results. Tips for serving and making ahead enhance your cooking experience. Variations allow for personal touches, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. In conclusion, this casserole is simple, delicious, and adaptable. Grab your ingredients and start cooking today!

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

A creamy and cheesy spaghetti casserole with chicken and tomatoes, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or ground turkey)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Blend together until smooth and creamy.
  • Stir in the cooked chicken (or ground turkey), drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the cheese mixture and gently fold until the spaghetti is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Spoon the casserole into individual bowls, and sprinkle some extra Italian seasoning on top for an added burst of flavor and color.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, spaghetti