Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: That’s Creamy, Cozy, and Kid Approved

I still remember the first time I made this chicken spaghetti recipe. It was one of those chaotic Tuesday nights where everyone wanted something different for dinner, and I needed one dish that would satisfy all cravings. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, it hit the spot so perfectly that it became a staple in our dinner rotation.

This is one of those magical recipes that fits every season of life. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, meal prepping for the week, or just need a comforting dinner that doesn’t require a lot of effort, this chicken spaghetti delivers. It’s savory, rich, and satisfying, all in one bubbly baked dish. And the best part? You can whip it up with pantry staples and leftover chicken.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

There’s just something about melty cheese and pasta wrapped around tender bites of chicken that’s impossible to resist. But here’s what makes this chicken spaghetti a cut above the rest:

• Uses rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor
• Creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti
• Bakes into a golden, bubbling top that’s impossible to resist
• Totally kid-friendly and easy to customize
• Can be made ahead and reheated without losing texture or taste

Customize It Your Way:

• Want it spicy? Add diced green chiles or red pepper flakes.
• Gluten-free? Swap with gluten-free spaghetti and use cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• Dairy-free? Try coconut cream and plant-based cheese shreds.
• Low-carb? Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Helpful External Link:
For more info on how to make this dish gluten-free, check out this helpful guide from Celiac Disease Foundation.

How to Get a Head Start on This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This dish is already easy, but with just a little prep ahead of time, it becomes even smoother to pull off, especially on busy weeknights. Here’s what I like to do earlier in the day (or even the day before) to make dinnertime a breeze:

Here’s what you can prep ahead:

• Cook and shred the chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great, or poach and shred chicken breasts in advance.
• Boil the pasta – Cook it just to al dente, then toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Grate the cheese – Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but fresh grated melts better and has better flavor.
• Chop your veggies – Onions, garlic, or any extras you’re tossing in (like bell peppers) can all be chopped and stored in the fridge.
• Mix the sauce ingredients – Blend your cream base, seasonings, and broth together and refrigerate.

By getting these small steps done earlier, the actual assembly and baking process becomes fast and foolproof, basically just a mix-and-bake situation.

Recipe Card

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Recipe by Kenza Edem

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories per serving

450

kcal

This chicken spaghetti recipe is a creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with spaghetti and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for any family dinner.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

• 8 ounces spaghetti

• 1 cup tomatoes, diced

• 1 cup onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

• Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes and onion, along with the minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
• Mix the Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Combine: Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and allow it to melt for about 5 minutes.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
• Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 28g

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Game-Changing Tips for Chicken Spaghetti Success

• Texture: Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti; it should remain slightly firm to the bite.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it appears dry.
• Serving Size: Adjust the recipe by increasing or decreasing the amount of chicken and spaghetti as needed.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs can be added for more flavor, such as basil or thyme.
• Variations: Try using different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.

What Can You Serve with Chicken Spaghetti ?

Serve this chicken spaghetti alongside a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Make It Your Own with These Variations

If you’re like me, you love playing around with ingredients based on what’s in the fridge or what your cravings demand. This recipe is super forgiving and totally customizable. Whether you’re making it spicier, lighter, or just adding your own touch, here are a few ideas to switch things up!

• Spicy Chicken Spaghetti
  Add 1 finely diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sauce. It brings a noticeable kick without overpowering the creamy base. You can also mix in pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of heat.
• Veggie-Packed Version
  Toss in 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. Cook your veggies before mixing them into the sauce so they stay tender and don’t water it down.
• Tex-Mex Style
  Mix in a can of Rotel tomatoes and green chiles, swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend, and sprinkle taco seasoning into the sauce. This gives it a southwest flavor profile with bold spices.
• Lightened-Up Chicken Spaghetti
  Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat spaghetti. It cuts down the calories but still gives you a creamy and satisfying dish.

Frequently Asked Questions about this recipe

Ready to Make It? This Chicken Spaghetti Won’t Disappoint

There’s something about this chicken spaghetti recipe that just feels like home. It’s cozy, simple, and full of flavor, the kind of dish you can rely on whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking the freezer, or just craving a hearty, satisfying dinner after a long day.

If you’re looking for more feel-good meals like this one, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta or my favorite Ground Chicken Lasagna Recipe. Each one delivers big comfort with minimal fuss, just the way weeknight cooking should be.

So go ahead, bookmark this one. It’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.