Easy Peasy & Cheesy Weeknight Chicken Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Change things up for your next taco night and prepare this cheesy chicken taco spaghetti casserole instead. Take cooked chicken, pasta, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and your favorite taco fixings like cheese, salsa, and sour cream and mixed them all together for the ultimate kid-friendly dish.

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This cheesy casserole is ideal for a busy weeknight as it comes together quickly and easily. Leftovers are also great the next day if there are any. I tend to double the recipe when I make it so we have enough leftovers on hand for lunches and even snacks for a few days. Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. If you find the taco casserole drying out a bit, pour more soup over it or add more salsa. I don’t love freezing dishes with cooked pasta as it changes the texture slightly but if you aren’t so fussed about it you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

This taco spaghetti is great for feeding a crowd so add it to your list of crowd-pleasing potluck meals.

You can easily prep the dish before you leave the house in the morning and then throw it in the oven when you get home so it is fresh and bubbling with cheese when you serve it.

Are you looking for more fun and easy family meals? Try this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili or try one of these 21 Cheap and Easy Instant Pot Meals I’ve pulled together.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun twist of family favorites
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Huge kid appeal
• Perfect for a make-ahead meal
• Travels well

Equipment Needed

• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Cheese grater

Ingredients for Chicken Taco Spaghetti

• 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided
• 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Fresh chopped cilantro for topping, optional

How To Make Taco Spaghetti

Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, 1 cup of cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top of the spaghetti mixture.

Cover with foil and bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Cool slightly before serving.

Variations

• Instead of shredded chicken use shredded turkey or ground beef. Ground turkey also works.
• Change the pasta shape and use linguine, fettuccine, or any other long pasta.
• If you are looking to make a vegetarian version of this taco spaghetti you can use a vegetable-based cream soup like cream of mushroom or cream of celery and add some black or pinto beans instead of the chicken.

Tips and Tricks

• Cheddar or Colby jack cheese can be used instead of the Mexican blend.
• I used full-fat sour cream and strongly prefer it. But reduced fat or plain Greek yogurt can be used instead.
• The spaghetti can be served with additional sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce.
• Pico de gallo works well too if you don’t have salsa. Or used diced tomatoes and add some Mexican seasonings.
• Homemade taco seasoning or store-bought both work well. To make homemade combine paprika, oregano, chili, onion, and garlic powders.
• Add sauteed veggies to the bowl with the chicken and pasta. Any veggies will work; onions, mushrooms, bell peppers or anything else you may have in your fridge.
• Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook while it bakes with the other ingredients.
• To get the cheese nice and crispy on top turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch the casserole carefully so it doesn’t burn.

FAQs

Do I have to use cooked chicken to make this chicken taco spaghetti dish?

Yes, it is important to use cooked chicken. If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand you can always cook some up while the pasta boils. This recipe Instant Pot Shredded Chicken would work well in this casserole dish.

How does this taco spaghetti dish get its Mexican flavor?

The Mexican flavor comes from the taco seasoning and the salsa, cheese, and sour cream.

What is a good substitute for taco seasoning?

If you can’t get your hands on taco seasoning you can pick up fajita seasoning or make your own with a combination of paprika, oregano, chili, onion, and garlic powders.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, absolutely! If you are feeding a big crowd or want to have leftovers you can easily double the recipe. If you do double it make sure to bake them in 2 separate baking dishes.