Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable chicken spaghetti promises a culinary adventure that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Every ingredient comes together like a perfectly choreographed kitchen symphony.

Comfort meets creativity in this classic dish that whispers memories of home-cooked meals.

Creamy textures and savory notes intertwine, creating a meal that feels both familiar and fresh.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of a well-executed recipe that satisfies deep hunger.

Ingredients waiting in your pantry are about to become something extraordinary.

Dive into this recipe and let your inner chef shine with confidence.

FAQs for Chicken Spaghetti

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces and add to the sauce when instructed.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

If the sauce seems too dense, simply add a little extra chicken broth or milk to thin it out. Stir gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

What Makes Chicken Spaghetti So Comforting

• Simplify Cooking Process: Transform ordinary chicken and spaghetti into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen skills and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
• Customize and Adapt: Swap cooked chicken or adjust cheese types to match personal preferences, making this recipe flexible for different tastes and ingredient availability.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single-pot cooking method that moves seamlessly from stovetop to oven, reducing dish washing and kitchen mess.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this spaghetti creates a comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Spaghetti

• Chicken: A lean protein that forms the main component of the dish and provides a hearty flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce while enhancing the overall chicken flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a melty and stretchy topping that browns beautifully.
• Milk: Helps to create a silky and rich sauce consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop the base of the sauce.

• Spaghetti: The pasta base that carries the sauce and chicken.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide aromatic flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth roux.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish to add heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh garnish and bright color.

How to Prepare Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Slice chicken lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it’s comfortable to handle.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Sauce Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté onions until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over onions and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until flour smell disappears. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring continuously to maintain sauce thickness. Slowly incorporate milk, whisking until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Elevate the Sauce

Let sauce simmer while preparing pasta water. Stir in softened cream cheese until completely melted and smooth. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until well combined. Drain diced tomatoes and add them along with the chopped chicken to the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix spaghetti into the sauce thoroughly. If not using an oven-safe pot, transfer to a lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered at 400°F for 15 minutes. For a golden-brown finish, broil at 475°F for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove from oven. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh chopped parsley. Serve alongside garlic bread with melted cheese for an extra delightful meal.

Pro Tips for Chicken Spaghetti

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Gradually add broth and milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without any unwanted flour clumps.
• Manage Cheese Melting: Add cream cheese first, stirring until completely smooth, then incorporate cheddar gradually for a creamy, well-integrated sauce.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Use diced tomato juice to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, giving you complete control over the final texture.
• Achieve Crispy Cheese Topping: Broil briefly at the end to create a golden, slightly browned cheese crust that adds extra texture and visual appeal.

Variation Suggestions for Chicken Spaghetti

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Spaghetti: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, add diced green chilies, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Substitute tomatoes with homemade basil pesto, use parmesan instead of cheddar, and add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Veggie Chicken Alternative: Use gluten-free flour, replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken substitute, and incorporate zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Spaghetti: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for oregano and thyme to create a Mediterranean-style dish.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Spaghetti

• Savor Bold Red Wine Pairing: Robust Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese complement the rich, cheesy chicken spaghetti perfectly, cutting through the creamy sauce with their tangy undertones.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding fresh and zesty notes that refresh the palate between bites.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Bread Match: The recipe already suggests garlic bread, but elevate it by adding fresh rosemary and thyme to enhance the herbal notes and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.

Storage Tips for Chicken Spaghetti

• Store chicken spaghetti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Prevent freezer burn by using proper storage containers.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken spaghetti in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy comfort meets Italian-American charm in this classic chicken spaghetti that brings warmth to family dinner tables. Cheesy, hearty layers combine tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 10 ounces (283 grams) diced tomatoes & green chilies
• Red pepper flakes (to garnish)
• Chopped parsley (to garnish)

Liquids and Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup milk
• 8 ounces (226 grams) thin spaghetti

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by slicing it lengthwise into thinner pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Let cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Create the sauce base by melting butter in the same pan, scraping up chicken remnants. Sauté onions until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Dust with flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
3. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, whisking to maintain a smooth consistency. Slowly add milk, continuing to stir. Introduce cream cheese and stir until completely melted and integrated.
4. Reduce heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese. Add diced tomatoes and prepared chicken, mixing thoroughly. If sauce seems thick, use tomato juice to adjust consistency.
5. Mix in spaghetti noodles, ensuring even distribution of sauce and ingredients. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish if not using an oven-safe pot.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese melts and edges bubble.
7. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at 475°F to achieve a golden-brown cheese topping. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
8. Remove from oven and garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with garlic cheese bread on the side.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or swap with rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Seasoning Hack: Toast Italian seasoning in a dry pan before adding to chicken to intensify its aromatic profile and boost overall taste.
• Sauce Consistency: Keep whisking the sauce constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic recipe, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 537 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg