This comforting chicken spaghetti recipe brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich creamy sauce that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With melted cheese, savory vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning, this chicken spaghetti is a family favorite that never goes out of style!
We love hearty pasta dishes that bring everyone together around the dinner table. This chicken spaghetti reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen – warm, inviting, and filled with the most incredible aromas. It’s the kind of dish that makes ordinary weeknights feel special.
The Best Chicken Spaghetti You’ll Ever Make
Flavor Profile
The creamy, rich sauce of this chicken spaghetti recipe pairs beautifully with tender chunks of seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Each bite delivers layers of flavor – from the savory chicken to the melted cheese and aromatic vegetables.
The sauce has a velvety texture that coats every strand of spaghetti, while the chicken adds protein and substance. This isn’t just any pasta dish – it’s comfort food that satisfies on every level. The combination of cream cheese, chicken broth, and seasonings creates a sauce that’s rich but not heavy, flavorful but not overwhelming.
Why This Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Works
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one large pot, making cleanup a breeze and keeping flavors concentrated.
- Perfect Texture: The spaghetti cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those incredible flavors while maintaining the perfect al dente bite.
- Family-Friendly: With familiar ingredients and mild seasonings, this chicken spaghetti appeals to both kids and adults.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
INGREDIENTS
Find specific ingredients and exact amounts in the recipe details below.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Ingredients and Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein and mild flavor. You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer taste, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Pasta: Traditional spaghetti works best, but you can use angel hair, linguine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. The key is choosing a pasta that holds sauce well.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese creates the richest sauce. Light cream cheese can be substituted, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, while mozzarella adds stretch and creaminess. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for variation.
Vegetables: Yellow onions and bell peppers are classic, but you can add mushrooms, jalapeños, or even corn for extra flavor and texture.
Seasonings: This chicken spaghetti recipe uses a blend of warm spices that complement the creamy base without overwhelming it.
PREPARATION
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 8 people
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti
- Season and Cook Chicken: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season chicken breasts with this spice mixture. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken and let cool, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Create the Base: Add softened cream cheese to the pot and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. The mixture should be creamy and well-combined.
- Add Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add uncooked spaghetti. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes).
- Combine Everything: Stir in sour cream, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and shredded chicken. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. The chicken spaghetti should have a rich, velvety texture.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.
- Serve: Ladle this delicious chicken spaghetti into bowls and enjoy while hot. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make every bite absolutely perfect.
Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Tips
For the best results, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before adding it to the pot. This prevents lumps and creates a smoother sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta – it should be al dente since it will continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce. Chicken spaghetti tastes best when the pasta maintains some texture.
If your sauce seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
This chicken spaghetti recipe can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
For extra heat, keep the seeds in your jalapeños or add a pinch more cayenne pepper. This comfort food is easily customizable to your family’s spice preferences.
What Makes This Chicken Spaghetti Special
Unlike traditional pasta dishes where sauce is added separately, this chicken spaghetti recipe cooks the pasta directly in the creamy base. This technique allows the spaghetti to absorb maximum flavor while maintaining perfect texture.
The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a sauce that’s rich but not heavy. The cream cheese provides stability and richness, while the sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances the dish beautifully.
The spice blend in this chicken spaghetti includes warm, earthy flavors that complement the creamy base without overwhelming it. Each ingredient serves a purpose, creating a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This chicken spaghetti stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything has time to meld together.
For freezing, this chicken spaghetti recipe works well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. The fresh greens provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
For family gatherings, this chicken spaghetti recipe serves 8 generous portions, making it perfect for potlucks or Sunday dinners. The comfort food appeal makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Consider serving with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to add color and nutrition to the meal. The mild flavors won’t compete with the chicken spaghetti, and kids are more likely to eat their vegetables when paired with this favorite dish.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- 387 calories per serving
- 28g protein per serving
- 35g carbs per serving
- 16g fat per serving
- 3g fiber per serving
- 890mg sodium per serving
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this chicken spaghetti recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chicken spaghetti is perfect for meal prep. Cook the entire dish as directed, then cool completely before storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken spaghetti?
Reheat chicken spaghetti slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the sauce to separate and the pasta to become mushy.
Can I substitute the chicken in this chicken spaghetti recipe?
Yes! While chicken breasts work beautifully, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience (add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking), chicken thighs for richer flavor, or even ground turkey. The key is ensuring any raw meat is fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe.
Why is my chicken spaghetti sauce too thick or too thin?
If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let the chicken spaghetti simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or mix in a bit more cream cheese. The sauce should coat the pasta nicely without being gloppy.
How can I make this chicken spaghetti recipe spicier?
To add heat to your chicken spaghetti, include diced jalapeños with the bell peppers, increase the cayenne pepper, or add a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheddar for an extra kick that kids will still enjoy.
Share Your Results!
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Author: Olyvia T.
