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Home » Recipes » Main Course

Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti

Stacey – June 29, 2021 – 50 Comments

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This post was originally shared on November 22, 2010 and was updated on June 29, 2021.

Plate full Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti

Way back before my Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti became the most popular recipe on SouthernBite.com, I shared this recipe for my Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti, which I then called Chicken Spaghetti Remix. It’s a mixed-up version of the classic recipe that’s all made right on the stovetop.

After the crazy success of that newer recipe, I decided to revisit the ol’ Chicken Spaghetti Remix and give it a little facelift by shooting some new images of it and updating the recipe a bit, too.

Plate of Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti

The truth is, I’ve been making chicken spaghetti for as long as I can remember. From the old school original, to my Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti, to this quick and easy stovetop version, we all just love it at our house.

This version has all the classic flavor with Velveeta cheese, Ro*Tel tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup, but takes advantage of a precooked shredded chicken (I normally use a rotisserie chicken) and it all cooks right on the stovetop – no baking! This makes it a bit quicker and a lot easier.

Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti in a pot

On all of the various versions of this recipe on the site, I often get asked about swapping out the Velveeta cheese. Here’s the deal, there’s just nothing quite like this processed cheese. It melts beautifully and has a tangy flavor that’s hard to replicate. Should you make it a regular part of your diet? Probably not. But you probably shouldn’t make chocolate cake a regular part of your diet either. Everything in moderation, right?!? Everything including moderation. ????

Forkful of Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti

When it comes to the Ro*Tel, it’s really just canned tomatoes with chilis. You can use another brand – even generic. A lot of the big canners have variations of this. And you can often find it with varying levels of heat. I typically use the mild version but even saw a “milder” version at the store the other day if you want to ensure there’s no heat in this dish at all.

Plate of Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti

And yes, I know it’s called chicken spaghetti and I used penne pasta. You can 100% use spaghetti (or any other pasta for that matter), but I find that the thick sauce often makes cooked spaghetti break apart when stirring so I used a heartier pasta.

Speaking of the thick sauce, sometimes this stovetop version can be a little too thick, so adding some chicken broth or even milk will help to thin it out to your liking. Just stir it in right at the end. And the longer this sits and cools, the thicker it gets, so adding some when reheating it is probably a good idea, too.

Regardless, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want some of that stick-to-your-ribs kind of comfort food. It’s ooey, gooey, cheesy perfection!

Serve this alongside an easy salad and you’ve got supper covered, my friend! Y’all enjoy!

Forkful of Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti
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4.67 from 6 votes

Recipe Card

Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 cups shredded, cooked chicken (I use a rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Ro*Tel Tomatoes
  • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic power
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 (16-ounce) block Velveeta Cheese, cut into cubes
  • chicken broth (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the cream of mushroom soup, undrained Ro*Tel, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large pot or enameled dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the Velveeta and stir frequently until melted. Be cautious as the Velveeta can scorch easily – adjust the heat as necessary.
  • Add the chicken and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and gently stir to combine. Add chicken broth to thin the sauce if you find it too thick. Serve immediately.
Forkful of Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti
Did you make my Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @southernbite, and use the hashtag #southernbite!
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Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti - image for Pinterest

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  1. Rob

    January 26, 2023 at 1:13 pm

    Love your recipes! Many thanks.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 26, 2023 at 4:43 pm

      Thanks, Rob!

      Reply
  2. Lori Bagley

    September 26, 2022 at 1:26 pm

    Great recipe for a busy weeknight. As for the cheese, it’s what helps make this as good as it is! I hear others comment on a recipe that it’s just too much of something, cheese, butter or whatever. I say it may call for a cup of butter but you aren’t eating the whole thing!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 28, 2022 at 3:02 pm

      So true! Thanks, Lori!

      Reply
  3. Dawn Ramsey

    September 25, 2022 at 11:47 am

    This is a wonderful recipe. Easy and flavorful. One of my sisters favorites..
    Definitely a keeper!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 26, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      Thank you so much Dawn!

      Reply
  4. Denise

    July 25, 2022 at 2:37 pm

    How well does this freeze? I know it will make a lot for the two of us but I love to put freezer meals up so I was wi seeing if this will freeze and reheat well? I freeze the regular spaghetti chicken so I am guessing “yes”???

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 26, 2022 at 4:29 pm

      I’ve frozen the traditional chicken spaghetti, but never tried freezing this version, so I can’t say for sure.

      Reply
  5. Ruth Eggert

    February 4, 2022 at 10:56 am

    This looks great,yea I would like to put more veggies…mushroom, zuchini, peppers or celery or small pieces of steamed broccoli (would pre cook in the microwave and stir in at the end)…I have been using a better pasta…like quinoa rotini or red lentil penne and probably would cut back on the cheese a bit…but love that it can be made on top of the stove…so I do not have to heat up my kitchen in the summer…great with a salad.Also, this would make a lot of pasta…but someone says it freezes well…just take it out to thaw in the frig the night before.

    Reply
  6. Amber

    January 1, 2022 at 5:28 pm

    I do a similar version, but add black olives, mushrooms, and a small jar of chopped red pimentos!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 4, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      Yum!

      Reply
  7. Stephanie McCarley

    September 28, 2021 at 2:10 pm

    I always use canned chicken (drained) in my chicken spaghetti. It helps cut down on the prep work as well. Didn’t know if anyone else used canned chicken?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 28, 2021 at 2:15 pm

      I’ve not ever used canned chicken in this recipe, but don’t see why it wouldn’t work.

      Reply
    • Rob

      January 26, 2023 at 1:17 pm

      We can our own chicken and it makes SUCH a difference. We do use commercially canned chicken as well, but if you can, homemade is just so much more flavorful. I was surprised at the taste difference. God bless your day!

      Reply
  8. Helen

    July 15, 2021 at 12:29 pm

    My adult sons love the regular recipe so much that we always double or triple the recipe, freeze in servings so that they can have “access” to this anytime they want. (freezes very well) Last night my youngest made this shortened version and that’s my lunch today.
    Thank you, Stacey!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 15, 2021 at 3:50 pm

      So glad to hear y’all enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  9. ELIZABETH

    July 4, 2021 at 9:42 am

    This is almost identical to my “Cheesy Chicken Pasta”. I use 1 can cream of chicken + 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and toss in a can of [drained] sliced mushrooms. Our preferred pasta is usually rotini, but I’ve used penne, shells, bowties, linguine, even egg noodles. It’s all good!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 5, 2021 at 9:39 am

      Love the idea of adding in the mushrooms!

      Reply
  10. Josie

    July 3, 2021 at 7:41 pm

    Hi, Stacy,
    I tried your Stove Top Chicken Spaghetti for supper this evening and we thought it was delicious.. I followed the recipe as written, except halved the ingredients for just the two of us and used vermicelli because it’s all I had. . It still made a generous dish full. This recipe has earned a place in the recipe file. It is a great dish for warm weather when it’s too hot to heat up the oven. Thanks and Happy Independence Day.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 5, 2021 at 9:45 am

      Thanks so much, Josie! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  11. Jan

    June 29, 2021 at 9:33 pm

    Want to try this but don’t like cream of mushroom. Would cream of chicken or something similar work.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 30, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Sure! Cream of chicken should work.

      Reply
  12. Jenny Aretakis- German

    June 29, 2021 at 5:44 pm

    Thank you ! The perfect solution for my eternal problem of “what to take to the party ” next week ! Perfect ! I love your website ! Happy Fourth to all.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 30, 2021 at 10:16 am

      Hope everyone enjoys it! Thanks, Jenny! Happy 4th!

      Reply
  13. Robbie Anderson

    June 29, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    Going to try this recipe – so many good comments. My wife has been making chicken spaghetti 50+ years. She adds sliced green olives to hers. We just love it. We’ll try the olives with your recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 29, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      Olives sound like a delicious addition! Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  14. Diane Morris

    June 29, 2021 at 12:36 pm

    So, about how many chicken breast would work please?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 29, 2021 at 12:48 pm

      About 2 large breasts should be enough for this.

      Reply
  15. Katherine A Dietz

    June 29, 2021 at 12:16 pm

    Do you drain the Rotel?
    Thanks
    Katherine

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 29, 2021 at 12:26 pm

      No, the liquid helps to thin the sauce and add more flavor.

      Reply
  16. Caylin

    January 9, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    I loooovvvveee this stuff so much! It’s so yummy and very easy for beginners in the kitchen like myself. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 10, 2018 at 11:21 am

      Ha! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it, Caylin!!

      Reply
  17. Denise Andrews

    February 17, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    I put this recipe down for tonight when I made our weekly menu this weekend. Well, 3 days later I am down with walking pneumonia. Luckily, I had already boiled the chicken and had the broth in the fridge. My husband who is awesome around the house but does not cook, fixed this tonight. It was GREAT and easy for him to make! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 18, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      I hate to hear you’re sick but glad you got to enjoy a homecooked meal! Feel better soon!

      Reply
  18. Kimberly McBride

    July 5, 2014 at 9:30 am

    Too Delicious to Be So Easy!!! Who says that scrumptious has to be a headache and a half? Thank you so much for your yummy recipe. My family thought that I slaved over a stove, and they ate every bite. If you knew how picky they are you would realize what a gift you have given me, lol. The penne pasta is PERFECT, and I never would have thought to boil it in the broth, but it makes such a difference! Thank you from this Southern mom & Mimi!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 7, 2014 at 11:54 am

      LOL! I’m so glad that everyone enjoyed it and it made you look like a rock star!!

      Reply
  19. Kimberly Leverett Osburn

    October 28, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    I think I’ve found what’s for supper @ Our House tonight along with some of Christy Jordan’s Ten Minute Rolls and buttered broccoli. I have leftover chicken from one I boiled to make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole Saturday. I also have leftover Chile con Queso. So I’ve eliminated the middle man so to speak. Thanks for sharing this recipe Stacy. <3 Kim

    Reply
    • Stacey

      October 29, 2013 at 9:49 am

      Sounds delish! I hope you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  20. Virginia Holder

    July 20, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    Recipe says 3 chicken breasts, directions say 4. I’ll use 4 but thought you might clarify.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 21, 2013 at 9:08 pm

      Thanks, Virginia. I’ll get it fixed.

      Reply
  21. Kate

    June 23, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    I made this and it was a huge hit! It made a lot but the 4 of us managed to eat it in a couple days. Even the leftovers were good. This will be a go to recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 24, 2013 at 11:43 am

      I’m so glad!! Thanks for letting me know, Kate! I hope you’ll find even more you enjoy!

      Reply
  22. Allison L

    August 18, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    Love chicken spaghetti. It’s one of the few things my picky three year old will eat without fuss. My only thing is that I have to stick with regular spaghetti instead of another type of pasta. He is a textural and sight eater and if something doesn’t look the same, he won’t eat it.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 19, 2011 at 9:16 am

      It shouldn’t make any difference at all which pasta you use. I hope you’re little one likes it!

      Reply
  23. Judy

    August 18, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    Stacey this looks so good, can’t wait to make it for my family! Will be looking forward to seeing more easy recipes too, just in time for a new school year.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 19, 2011 at 9:16 am

      Thanks! We’ve got some fun recipe coming up in the next two weeks for lunch boxes and after school snacks.

      Reply
  24. Judith

    August 18, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    This looks great! I’ve seen recipes for chicken spaghetti but have been put off by the length of the recipe. I can’t wait to try yours!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 19, 2011 at 9:15 am

      This one is so much easier! Let me know what you think.

      Reply
  25. Becky B

    December 4, 2010 at 7:29 pm

    I love chicken spaghetti!! This recipe is sooo good!!

    Reply
  26. Sarah

    November 22, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    YUM! I can’t wait to try this! =)

    Reply

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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