This creamy chicken spaghetti is a big hug in a bowl! It’s made with tender chicken, spaghetti, and a rich, creamy sauce that everyone loves. Perfect for a family dinner!
I love how this meal comes together quickly. Just cook the chicken, mix in the pasta, and enjoy! It’s a dinner that warms your heart and fills your belly. 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: I recommend using traditional spaghetti, but any pasta you have on hand, like penne or rotini, will work just fine. Choose whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or even turkey! If you’re in a pinch, canned chicken is also an option, but fresh will give you more flavor.
Cream Soups: If you want to make it healthier, try using low-fat versions of the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, or swap them with homemade cream sauce. This takes a bit more effort but is super fresh!
Sour Cream/Cream Cheese: You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang that works nicely in this dish.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix it up! You could use mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a little heat.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture?
Achieving that creamy texture is the key to this dish. Start by ensuring all your ingredients are well-mixed as you warm them. Here’s how:
- Heat the oil before adding the onions and garlic to unlock their flavors.
- Gradually stir in the cream soups and sour cream until fully combined. This prevents clumps and helps create a smooth sauce.
- When you add your cooked pasta, gently toss it to coat evenly. This way, every bite gets that creamy goodness!
- Make sure to add the cheese last, letting it melt into the mix. It’s the final touch that brings it all together.
Don’t rush this part—let each ingredient shine and combine perfectly for the best results!
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken spaghetti takes about 30 minutes to make, with around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes of cooking. It’s a quick and comforting dish for any weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water and then the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it’ll still have a slight bite. Once done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step really brings out the delicious flavors!
3. Add Bell Pepper:
If you decided to use the bell pepper, toss it into the skillet now and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This adds a nice color and crunch to the dish.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, stir in the cooked chicken along with the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or cream cheese), and chicken broth (or milk). Mix everything together until it’s well combined and heated through, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine with Spaghetti:
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and gently toss it with the creamy sauce. Make sure that every strand of pasta is coated in that delicious mix!
6. Add Cheese & Seasoning:
Now it’s time for the cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce. Taste after mixing and season with salt, pepper, and paprika according to your preference. Give it a final stir.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite of your creamy chicken spaghetti!
FAQ for Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or grilled chicken, works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or dice it before adding it to the skillet.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the spaghetti in advance. Simply mix them together just before serving to ensure the pasta doesn’t get soggy. You can keep the sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days before combining it with the pasta and heating it through.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of a different cream soup, like cream of celery or cream of chicken. Alternatively, you can make a homemade béchamel sauce for a fresh and creamy base!
