Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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Nothing is as comforting as a hot plate of cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. This dish is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and a flavorful mix of tomatoes and spices. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxing Sunday dinner.

This recipe takes classic chicken spaghetti up a notch with a trio of cheeses—cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella—creating a rich, velvety sauce. A touch of Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies) adds a slight kick that perfectly balances the creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & easy to make – Simple steps with minimal prep.
✔️ Super creamy & cheesy – Three cheeses make it ultra-rich.
✔️ A family favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
✔️ Perfect for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
✔️ Easily customizable – Swap out ingredients or add your favorite mix-ins.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup milk
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10 oz. diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel)
• 8 oz. thin spaghetti
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Red pepper flakes & chopped parsley, for garnish

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🥘 Step-By-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Chicken (Optional)

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
• Pat dry and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Remove from pan, let cool, and dice into bite-sized pieces.

💡 Shortcut: Use 2 cups of pre-cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken!

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2️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet.
• Add onions and cook until soft (about 4 minutes).
• Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Slowly add chicken broth a little at a time, stirring continuously.
• Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth.
• Simmer to let the sauce thicken while preparing the pasta.
• Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and creamy.
• Reduce heat to low, let the sauce cool slightly, then stir in cheddar cheese.

💡 Tip: Don’t add cheddar when the sauce is too hot—it may separate!

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3️⃣ Assemble the Chicken Spaghetti

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
• Add diced chicken and drained Rotel tomatoes to the sauce.
• Stir in cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
• If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

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4️⃣ Bake to Perfection

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake uncovered at 400°F for 15 minutes.
• For a golden, bubbly top, broil for 1-2 minutes at 475°F.
• Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley.

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🔥 Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti

✔️ Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella melt best!
✔️ Use thin spaghetti – It absorbs the sauce better than regular spaghetti, but angel hair or fettuccine also work well.
✔️ Let the sauce thicken – Simmering helps develop flavor and ensures a creamy consistency.
✔️ Don’t overbake – The oven is just for melting the cheese—overbaking can dry out the dish.
✔️ Love spice? – Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Chicken Spaghetti

Pair this creamy dish with:

🧄 Garlic Bread with Cheese
🥗 Caesar Salad
🥕 Roasted Vegetables
🌱 Buttery Green Beans

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🥡 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Thaw overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

💡 Tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back creaminess!

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🔄 Recipe Variations

1️⃣ Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

Add 1 diced jalapeño or 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.

2️⃣ Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti

Mix in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon and ½ teaspoon ranch seasoning.

3️⃣ Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and swap Rotel for fire-roasted tomatoes.

4️⃣ Lightened-Up Version

Use low-fat cream cheese & milk, and swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea spaghetti.

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❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or rotini all work great.

Q: How can I make this a one-pot meal?
Use an oven-safe skillet so you can transfer it directly to the oven after mixing in the spaghetti.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

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