Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect combination of tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is not just a crowd-pleaser but also an easy weeknight meal that you can prepare with minimal effort, yet it’s packed with rich flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting dish that combines the familiar flavors of chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce. It’s a one-pot meal that is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy evenings. With the perfect balance of textures—from the soft pasta to the juicy chicken and gooey melted cheese—every bite is a comforting hug in a bowl.
Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs give more flavor, but breasts are a leaner option.
- Spaghetti pasta: The star of the show. You can also use any other type of pasta you prefer, like penne or rotini.
- Cream of chicken soup: This gives the dish its creamy texture. You can also use a homemade white sauce if you prefer.
- Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are the perfect combo for a gooey, cheesy top layer.
- Bell peppers, onions, and garlic: These aromatic vegetables elevate the flavor of the dish and provide a nice crunch.
- Chicken broth: For thinning out the sauce and enhancing the chicken flavor.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning are all you need to bring the flavors together.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti
- Cook the chicken properly: Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or baking the chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked before chopping it up. A meat thermometer can help you ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the center.
- Use a flavorful broth: If you want extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of water for cooking the spaghetti. It enhances the dish’s taste and gives it more depth.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Since you’ll be baking the pasta in the oven later, make sure you cook it al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This ensures it doesn’t become too soft or mushy during baking.
- Mix the sauce and pasta well: When combining the spaghetti with the sauce, make sure the noodles are evenly coated. This will ensure every bite is filled with creamy goodness.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add more chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti
- Cook the chicken: Begin by cooking your chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and paprika, and then pan-sear or grill it until golden and fully cooked. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it has cooled slightly.
- Prepare the pasta: Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Remember, al dente is the way to go! Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until tender. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Add a generous amount of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, reserving some for the top.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
Variations on Chicken Spaghetti
- Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
- Healthy Chicken Spaghetti: Use whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative to regular pasta. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with a healthier version or homemade white sauce made from Greek yogurt and low-fat milk.
- Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti: Add buffalo sauce to the dish for a spicy and tangy twist. This variation pairs wonderfully with blue cheese crumbles on top.
- Cajun Chicken Spaghetti: For a Southern-inspired version, use Cajun seasoning to give the dish a smoky, spicy flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti is a hearty dish on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Consider serving it with:
- A simple side salad (try a Caesar or a fresh green salad)
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or broccoli
- A light soup, such as a tomato basil soup or a creamy potato leek soup
How to Store Chicken Spaghetti
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store Chicken Spaghetti in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken Spaghetti for up to 3 months. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe? Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it to the sauce when combining everything.
Can I make Chicken Spaghetti in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. To do this, cook the chicken in the slow cooker with some broth, seasonings, and vegetables. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it and add it to the cooked pasta and sauce. You can also assemble the entire dish in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
How can I make Chicken Spaghetti less creamy? If you prefer a lighter version of Chicken Spaghetti, reduce the amount of cream of chicken soup and replace it with more chicken broth or even a tomato-based sauce for a tangy flavor.
Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect combination of tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is not just a crowd-pleaser but also an easy weeknight meal that you can prepare with minimal effort, yet it’s packed with rich flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 10oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets and cook them in a hot skillet with olive oil. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside to rest.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion softens (about 3-4 minutes). Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring until the sauce thickens. Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, heavy cream, and half of each cheese (cheddar and mozzarella), letting everything melt together into a smooth sauce.
- Assemble: Chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped chicken, drained tomatoes with green chiles, and cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Stir everything together.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13” casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 505Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 129mgSodium 1597mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 25g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Spaghetti is a meal that never fails to impress. It’s comforting, filling, and versatile—allowing for so many variations to cater to different tastes. Whether you stick with the classic creamy version or experiment with spicy, healthy, or vegetarian twists, this dish will surely become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a delicious plate of Chicken Spaghetti tonight!
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