Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

If you’re like me, back-to-school season means juggling lunches, snacks, homework, and somehow still getting a real dinner on the table.

That’s why I love recipes that are super efficient. Enter: Chicken Spaghetti 

It’s cheesy, cozy, and perfect for using up leftover chicken. I made mine with Greek yogurt and a touch of buttermilk, so it’s creamy without relying on a can of condensed soup.

Bonus: you can serve it straight from the skillet on a busy weeknight—or bake it with extra cheese on top if you want a Sunday-dinner vibe. It also freezes well, so you can double it, and bake one up another night!

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Moms:

• Uses up that leftover chicken, which means less cooking during the week.
• Double batch-friendly – make extra for the freezer or for lunches.
• Kid-approved – creamy, cheesy, and comforting without being too spicy.
• Flexible – serve it baked or straight from the stovetop.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel), drained
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 teaspoons Lindsay’s Kitchen Ranch seasoning
• Leftover chicken breasts, shredded
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Optional: up to 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water to loosen sauce as needed
• Pasta of choice (spaghetti recommended)

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet or pot, heat butter or oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Make Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, 2 cups of shredded cheddar, Ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add shredded chicken and warm through. If sauce seems too thick, loosen with chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
4. Combine: Stir in cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Optional Bake: Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.

Serving Tips:

• Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese on top for a fun, colorful touch.
• Perfect for a make-ahead dinner: prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then combine with pasta when ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love It:

This Chicken Spaghetti is cozy, comforting, and perfect for busy families. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and gives leftover chicken a second life. Whether you’re serving it for weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, it’s sure to be a hit