Description
Comfort meets culinary creativity in this cheesy chicken spaghetti that blends creamy textures with hearty flavors. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F.
- Sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and incorporate diced onions, cooking until softened and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without burning.
- Pour diced tomatoes and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich, creamy base.
- Gradually sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Gently fold cooked spaghetti into the cheese mixture, ensuring every strand is evenly coated.
- Season the dish with dried basil, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising the rich, comforting flavors.
- For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while keeping the sauce creamy.
- Enhance meal prep by cooking extra chicken and sauce, which can be stored in the refrigerator for quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg