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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese melts and edges bubble.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at 475°F to achieve a golden-brown cheese topping. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
- 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