Easy and Delicious Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This Chicken Spaghetti is a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one irresistible bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together quickly and is a guaranteed hit with the whole family. With tender chicken, savory spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll love how effortlessly this meal comes together, making it a must-try for your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This Chicken Spaghetti is ready in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you don’t have time to cook a complicated meal.
• Creamy and Comforting: The creamy sauce envelops the pasta and chicken, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s rich, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.
• Family-Friendly: This is the kind of dish that even picky eaters will love. It’s packed with flavor but simple enough to please everyone at the table.
• Make Ahead: This Chicken Spaghetti is great for meal prep. It stores well and can be reheated for a quick meal throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this easy and tasty Chicken Spaghetti:

• Spaghetti: The star of the dish. You can use any type of pasta, but classic spaghetti works wonderfully for its texture and ability to hold onto that creamy sauce.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice because they cook quickly and stay tender. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives the dish its creamy base. It’s quick and easy, with just the right texture to coat the pasta and chicken.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the perfect choice here, offering a rich and melty texture that makes this dish even more comforting. You can also mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
• Garlic: A bit of minced garlic adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup and chicken.
• Onion: Chopped onion adds a nice touch of sweetness and helps round out the flavor of the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: This helps thin out the soup to make a perfectly smooth and pourable sauce, adding just the right amount of moisture.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning are essential for giving the dish its comforting, well-rounded flavor.

Variations

This Chicken Spaghetti is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Spicy Kick: Add some diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the dish a little heat.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra dose of veggies.
• Different Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or even shrimp for a lighter, seafood twist.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add some more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onions and garlic for a minute or two, until fragrant. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and seasonings. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken up and become nice and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, creating a cheesy, creamy texture. Once everything is combined and heated through, your Chicken Spaghetti is ready to serve!

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, and enjoy your comforting, creamy Chicken Spaghetti!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. It’s already cooked and adds great flavor to the dish without the need for extra cooking.
• Customize the Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, feel free to mix in some mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a little cream cheese for added creaminess.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente. It will continue to cook a little in the sauce, so you don’t want it too soft when you combine everything.
• Make it a Casserole: For a baked version, transfer the pasta to a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

How to Serve

This Chicken Spaghetti is a one-dish wonder, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the meal:

Side Dishes:

• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthy balance

Garnishes:

Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra grated cheese for that perfect finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezing

You can freeze this Chicken Spaghetti for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any kind of pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work great in this dish.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this Chicken Spaghetti can be made ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. It also makes an excellent meal prep option.

3. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and using a vegetable-based soup for the sauce.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

This Easy and Delicious Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate weeknight meal: simple, creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. So, give it a try and enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat!

Print