When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a big plate of creamy chicken spaghetti. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this creamy chicken spaghetti is sure to be a hit at the table. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and why you need to add it to your recipe rotation.
Why You Should Make This Dish
There are plenty of reasons to love creamy chicken spaghetti. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak it to fit your taste, adding veggies, spices, or even swapping out ingredients to keep things interesting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, this dish has you covered. Best of all, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain it well and set it aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Aromatics: Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is warmed through.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, gently tossing it to coat the pasta in that rich, creamy sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and keep mixing until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Give it a final taste test, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Serve it up hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy alternative.
- Add a little heat with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Stir in some frozen peas or spinach for added nutrients.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier twist.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
15 Delicious Variations
- Add diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch.
- Mix in some cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Stir in some chopped broccoli for added texture.
- Substitute turkey for chicken for a leaner option.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Add a touch of Cajun seasoning for a bold kick.
- Make it spicy with chopped green chilies.
- Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch.
- Use spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a low-carb version.
- Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- Add black beans and corn for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Use heavy cream instead of sour cream for a richer sauce.
- Mix in shredded carrots for added sweetness.
- Stir in some pesto for an herby twist.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
- Garlic bread
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- A fresh garden salad
- Grilled asparagus
- Buttery cornbread
- Sautéed spinach
- Creamed corn
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Parmesan-crusted zucchini
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Dinner rolls
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain the creamy texture. You can also freeze creamy chicken spaghetti for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How Much Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
For a small gathering of 4-6 people, stick to the recipe as is. If you’re serving 10-12 guests, double the ingredients. For larger events, consider tripling the recipe and serving it in a large casserole dish.
How Far in Advance Can I Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti?
You can prepare creamy chicken spaghetti up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. If you want to prep even further in advance, freeze the dish and thaw it the day before.
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: A Comforting Classic
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain it well and set it aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is warmed through.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, gently tossing it to coat the pasta in that rich, creamy sauce.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and keep mixing until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Give it a final taste test, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Serve it up hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
