Creamy Chicken Spaghetti: A Comforting Twist on Family Dinner

Chicken spaghetti is a classic comfort dish that mixes tender chicken with hearty pasta.

Families all over America have made this tasty meal a staple for satisfying hunger and creating warm memories.

It uses simple ingredients but delivers rich flavors that both kids and adults enjoy.

Creamy sauces paired with well-seasoned chicken turn plain pasta into something special.

Whether you cook it at home or in a restaurant, the recipe offers flexibility to try different ingredients and methods.

Nutritious and filling, chicken spaghetti remains a popular pick for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why Chicken Spaghetti Is A Family Favorite

• Effortless Weeknight Comfort: Perfect for busy families craving a delicious, hassle-free dinner that comes together quickly with minimal preparation.
• Quick Cooking Adventure: Transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal solution for home cooks wanting maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, allowing easy customization with different proteins or vegetables while maintaining its creamy, cheesy appeal.
• Economical Gourmet Experience: Utilizes affordable ingredients like chicken, pasta, and pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank, proving deliciousness doesn't require expensive components.

What’s In Chicken Spaghetti

• Chicken, Bacon: Perfect protein combo with rich, smoky flavor. Chicken breast works best when tender and freshly cooked. Bacon adds crispy texture and depth.
• Spaghetti: Classic pasta base that absorbs sauce beautifully. Standard or whole wheat options work well.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation with gentle sweetness and depth. Fresh vegetables provide better taste than frozen.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.

• Chicken Broth, Milk, Cream: Creamy liquid base for silky sauce. Low sodium broth recommended for better control of saltiness.
• Cream Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, creamy cheeses that create luxurious texture. Full fat versions provide best consistency.
• Flour: Thickening agent for smooth sauce development.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds subtle heat and tangy complexity.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spice blend for balanced flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish with fresh herb note.

How To Make Chicken Spaghetti Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Boil Pasta

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a pot of water and cook your spaghetti until it’s just shy of fully done. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle and Soften

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Cook for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Tumble in garlic and butter, giving it another minute of love.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Half cup of mozzarella

Step 4: Bring It All Together

• Remaining bacon
• Three-quarters cup mozzarella

Slide into the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Pull out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips To Improve Chicken Spaghetti

• Master Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti just shy of fully done, allowing it to finish cooking in the creamy sauce for perfect al dente consistency.
• Control Bacon Crispiness: Cook bacon to your preferred level of crunchiness, reserving some grease for extra flavor depth in vegetable sautéing.
• Smooth Out Cheese Sauce: Cube cream cheese into small pieces and whisk gradually to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, uniform sauce.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; use turkey bacon for lower-fat alternative.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Slowly incorporate broth and dairy ingredients while continuously whisking to maintain sauce's creamy, stable texture.

How To Store Chicken Spaghetti And Reheat It

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken spaghetti stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of milk or broth to keep pasta creamy.

What Works Well With Chicken Spaghetti

• Savor Smoky Wine Pairing: A bold Zinfandel complements the rich bacon and creamy sauce, cutting through the dish's decadent flavors with its peppery undertones and robust character.
• Cool Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy chicken spaghetti, providing a fresh, zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Rustic Bread Side Kick: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty sourdough to soak up the creamy sauce, adding a delightful textural element and extra comfort to the meal.
• Bright Citrus Beverage: Pour a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea to refresh the palate and cut through the richness of the cheesy, creamy chicken spaghetti.

Chicken Spaghetti Variations You Can Try

• Veggie Chicken Spaghetti: Replace chicken with extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian version. Perfect for plant-based diets.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Spaghetti: Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Spaghetti: Swap spaghetti with cauliflower rice or spiralized cauliflower. Reduces carbohydrates while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of cream, dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and omit mozzarella. Top with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.

FAQs About Chicken Spaghetti

• Is chicken spaghetti a healthy dish?

While delicious, this recipe is rich and indulgent. It contains bacon, cream, cheese, and butter, making it a comfort food best enjoyed in moderation. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat dairy and reduce cheese quantities.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Just ensure you cook the pasta slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking.

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breasts, or leftover roasted chicken all work wonderfully. Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces before mixing into the sauce.

• How spicy is this chicken spaghetti?

The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a mild kick. If you prefer more heat, add red pepper flakes or choose a spicier variety of canned tomatoes. For less heat, use plain diced tomatoes.

Heavenly Chicken Spaghetti Recipe That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy comfort meets Southern charm in this classic Chicken Spaghetti, blending tender shredded chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce. Hearty pasta and bold seasonings create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor down to the last comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 8 ounces (226 grams) bacon, chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 ¼ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup cream
• 1 tablespoon butter

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• ½ small onion, diced
• ½ yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces (283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) thin spaghetti
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by warming the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal environment for the upcoming culinary journey.
2. Immerse spaghetti in boiling water, cooking until it reaches a slightly firm texture. Carefully drain and reserve the pasta, setting it aside for later incorporation.
3. Render bacon in a spacious skillet until it transforms into crispy golden fragments. Extract the bacon, preserving its cracklings for future garnishing.
4. Utilize the residual bacon essence to sauté onions and bell peppers, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic qualities. Introduce minced garlic and butter, letting them meld together briefly.
5. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, ensuring each morsel is evenly coated. Allow this base to develop depth by cooking for several minutes.
6. Gradually introduce chicken broth, using a whisk to integrate and lift any caramelized remnants from the skillet’s surface. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
7. Stream in milk and cream, whisking consistently to create a velvety smooth sauce. Incorporate cream cheese in small increments, stirring until completely dissolved.
8. Fold in diced tomatoes with green chilies and a portion of mozzarella cheese, creating a rich and complex sauce.
9. Introduce shredded chicken and half the reserved bacon into the mixture, gently combining with the prepared spaghetti to ensure uniform coating.
10. Transfer the elaborate concoction to a casserole dish, topping with remaining bacon and additional mozzarella cheese.
11. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
12. Once removed from the oven, optional fresh parsley can be sprinkled across the surface, adding a final touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Toast spaghetti briefly in bacon grease before boiling to enhance the nutty, rich flavor profile and add depth to the overall dish.
• Swap regular milk with lactose-free alternatives for dairy-sensitive individuals, ensuring the creamy texture remains consistent.
• Opt for lean chicken breast or rotisserie chicken to reduce total fat content and simplify the preparation process.
• Consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg