If you’re craving comfort food that hits all the right notes, the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is calling your name. We’re talking twirls of tender spaghetti tossed with juicy, savory chicken, all smothered in an ultra-creamy sauce layered with tangy tomatoes and plenty of gooey cheese. It bakes up bubbly and golden, filling your kitchen with aromas that’ll have everyone waiting by the oven. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking to make a meal for friends, this dish is a guaranteed hit and seriously easy to pull off — the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself turning to over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how each ingredient plays a pivotal role, ensuring every bite delivers maximum flavor. From sharp cheddar to tangy sour cream and that hint of spice from tomatoes with green chilies, every element brings something important to the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe table.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): The delicious backbone of the dish; choose classic or whole wheat for a healthier twist.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the onions for extra flavor depth.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and aromatics that enhance every forkful.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and savory punch.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The creamy binder that makes the sauce ultra-lux and hearty.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 10 oz): Adds brightness and just the right touch of mild heat (Rotel works great).
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Brings tangy creaminess to balance the richness.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce just enough while adding more creaminess.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): For maximum convenience and tenderness — rotisserie chicken is a big time-saver here.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Melty, sharp, and golden; this ensures cheesy goodness in every bite and on top.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors to life; adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle hint of warmth that rounds out the sauce.
- Chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh pop of green for color and flavor at the very end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. This step is crucial, because slightly firm pasta holds up beautifully after baking and absorbs the luscious sauce, giving you that ideal forkful every time. Be sure to drain it well and set aside — you don’t want extra water diluting your creamy masterpiece!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and fragrant, then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds — enough to release its aroma without browning. This will create a base that’s both flavorful and comforting, laying the groundwork for the savory sauce to come.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, and milk to your skillet. Stir gently, and watch as it transforms into a silky, colorful sauce. Everything should be smooth, creamy, and flecked with bits of tomato and pepper, creating the signature look and taste of the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 4: Combine the Goodness
Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Once that’s creamy and combined, add your drained spaghetti. Toss until every strand is coated and entwined with sauce, chicken, and cheese. This is where the magic really starts to happen — you’ll want to dive in right here, but trust me, it gets even better after baking.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the creamy, cheesy spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring an extra-melty, golden crown. Slide it into your preheated 350°F oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The dish is ready when it’s bubbling at the edges and perfectly golden on top. Don’t forget to let it rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce set just enough for that perfect creamy consistency.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving makes all the difference. It isn’t just about looks — the freshness and dash of green wake up the rich, creamy flavors of your Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. Add a few cracks of black pepper or even sliced green onions if you want to mix it up for a festive finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your spaghetti bake with a crisp, simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic bread is always a winning sidekick, perfect for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce. For something lighter, opt for a citrusy cucumber salad or steamed green beans tossed with lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this crowd-pleaser right from the baking dish family-style, or dress it up by plating individual portions in shallow bowls with plenty of garnish. Hosting a potluck? Bake in individual ramekins for a personal twist. You can even top with crunchy fried onions or extra roasted red peppers for a bit of texture and color — the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is endlessly adaptable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before covering tightly and storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, so expect another delicious round the next day!
Freezing
If you want to prepare the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in advance, assemble the casserole but skip the baking. Cover well with foil or a tight-fitting lid and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual — bonus points for weeknight meal prep!
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbling, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. It’ll taste just as comforting as when you first pulled it from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use penne, fusilli, or any sturdy pasta. Just stick to similar cooking times and make sure the sauce clings to every bite.
What’s the best kind of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for busy nights, but any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh will work beautifully. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken adds even more flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Of course! Simply use “hot” diced tomatoes with chilies, add a pinch of cayenne, or stir in chopped jalapeños with the onion for an extra kick. The Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is easy to customize to your spice preference.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can lighten it up by using reduced-fat sour cream, low-fat milk, and part-skim cheese. Swap half the pasta for spiralized zucchini for even more veggies without losing the comfort-food vibe.
Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas make excellent, colorful additions. Just cook them along with the onions before adding the other sauce ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven and sharing it with people you love, and the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe always delivers smiles. Whether you stick to the classic version or make it your own, I hope this becomes a new family favorite at your table. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delicious Creamy Chicken Spaghetti recipe. A comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic, then stir in cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix in cooked spaghetti until coated.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
