Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re longing for a dish that wraps you up in pure comfort and creamy goodness, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. It’s rich, cheesy, and absolutely brimming with cozy flavors, making it exactly the kind of meal you’ll crave after a long day or want to share with friends and family. Twirls of tender pasta soak up a luscious, savory sauce, while bites of succulent chicken and molten cheddar cheese make every forkful feel like a little celebration. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your “favorites” folder and revisit anytime you’re in the mood for something deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe shines with a handful of familiar ingredients that work together to create comforting magic. Every item adds its own special touch, whether it’s adding depth, smoothness, or a pop of color in every bite.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Classic pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce and provides the perfect bite.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For that glossy richness and tender onions.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds complexity and helps the butter cook evenly without burning.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Caramelizes gently for a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Brings a lovely aroma and hint of warmth that makes the sauce sing.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a speedy, flavor-packed choice.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret weapon for the signature creamy texture.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and extra silkiness to the sauce.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce just enough so it coats every strand beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey, golden bliss—use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Pulls all the flavors forward—taste before adding more!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little heat balances all the comforting flavors.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds smokiness and a gorgeous hint of color—try it for extra depth.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: A vibrant finish that brightens up the final dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a boil, toss in the spaghetti, and cook it until just al dente—usually a minute or so less than what the package says. Drain your noodles, but keep them handy! This simple start ensures the pasta soaks up every drop of that glorious sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
While the spaghetti’s draining, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onions and let them gently soften, about 3 to 4 minutes, turning sweet and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds for a beautiful burst of flavor.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Time to make magic happen! Add your shredded chicken right into the skillet, followed by the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until the mixture turns silky and smooth, then let it warm through—this step creates the luxurious base that makes this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Season
Sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, thickening things up and adding bold, cheesy goodness. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if you like a hint of smokiness. Taste and adjust seasoning to suit your palate—this is where you can personalize the dish and make it just right for you.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet, tossing it with tongs or two big spoons until every noodle is evenly coated. This step is the secret to a perfectly integrated, dreamy casserole. Make sure nothing’s left behind—no stragglers stuck to the pan!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the whole beautiful mess into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Into the oven it goes at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden, and you want to dive right in. Right before serving, scatter on the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley livens everything up. You could also go wild with a little extra grated cheddar, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a handful of finely sliced green onions to add a zip of color and a bit more flavor play. Don’t skip this little flourish—it makes the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or simply-steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for freshness. If you really want to lean into comfort food territory, serve with warm garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls perfect for mopping up that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can spoon generous servings directly from the casserole dish for that cozy family-style vibe, or, for something special, twirl nests of spaghetti onto individual plates and finish with a flourish of parsley and a dusting of paprika. For a potluck or casual party, try baking in individual ramekins for adorable, portable portions of Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer cooled Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and fabulous for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making next-day lunches a real treat.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? Assemble the casserole as directed but skip the baking step. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as called for in the recipe—add a few extra minutes if it’s still chilly in the center.
Reheating
To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave, or rewarm larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. If the sauce has thickened a bit during storage, stir in a small splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back that luscious, creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic is spaghetti, creamy chicken goodness works so well with penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just aim for similar cook times so the texture stays just right.
How do I make this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe gluten-free?
It’s easy to swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Double-check ingredient labels to make sure everything fits your needs.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a weeknight lifesaver, but any leftover or poached chicken breast will work. Thigh meat adds extra moisture and richness if you prefer that flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or stir in frozen peas before baking for extra color and nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak extra veggies into this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe without losing the core comforting vibe.
How can I make this ahead for a busy weeknight?
Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed. It’s a game-changer on busy evenings, and the flavors become even more pronounced with a little resting time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe! It delivers everything you want in a cozy meal: creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the kind of cheesy warmth that makes any day feel special. Give this recipe a try—you just might find it becomes a new staple at your table!
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Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and comforting goodness of this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti recipe. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender spaghetti with a rich, cheesy chicken sauce.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic, then add chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine and Bake: Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe.
- For added veggies, consider mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas.
- This dish freezes nicely—assemble and freeze before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
