Creamy Chicken Spaghetti: A Comfort Food Classic

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, decadent, and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. This recipe elevates the classic dish with a velvety smooth sauce and perfectly cooked chicken. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy chicken spaghetti recipe stands out for several reasons:

* **Perfectly Balanced Flavors:** The combination of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and savory base, while the Rotel tomatoes add a touch of zesty heat.
* **Tender and Juicy Chicken:** We’ll explore different cooking methods for the chicken to ensure it’s cooked to perfection and remains moist and flavorful.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to create your own unique twist.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, making it a breeze to assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Creamy chicken spaghetti is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a guaranteed way to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious creamy chicken spaghetti:

* **1 pound spaghetti:** Cooked according to package directions.
* **2 cups cooked chicken:** Shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!
* **1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup:** Adds a creamy base to the sauce.
* **1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel):** Drained. Provides a zesty kick.
* **8 ounces cream cheese:** Softened. Creates a rich and creamy texture.
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds a cheesy flavor and melts beautifully.
* **1/2 cup milk or chicken broth:** Helps to thin the sauce.
* **1/4 cup butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon onion powder:** Adds a subtle onion flavor.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** To season the dish.
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking spaghetti
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Colander for draining spaghetti
* 9×13 inch baking dish (optional, for baking)
* Mixing spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect creamy chicken spaghetti:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken (Choose Your Preferred Method)

You have several options for cooking the chicken:

* **Boiled Chicken:** Place chicken breasts in a pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Shred or dice the chicken.
* **Baked Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Shred or dice the chicken.
* **Rotisserie Chicken:** For a quick and easy option, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Remove the skin and shred or dice the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. This might take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning.
3. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes (drained), milk (or chicken broth), garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cream of chicken soup and cheddar cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Spaghetti

1. Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet with the cream sauce.
2. Gently toss to coat the spaghetti and chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 5: Bake (Optional)

If you prefer a baked version of creamy chicken spaghetti, follow these steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the top (optional).
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove the creamy chicken spaghetti from the skillet (or oven, if baked).
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

* **Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti:** Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy and detract from the overall texture of the dish. Cook it al dente for the best results.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese will melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. Leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
* **Drain the Rotel Tomatoes:** Draining the Rotel tomatoes will prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. You can also use a can of regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
* **Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Some great options include mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Saute the vegetables before adding them to the sauce.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and Colby jack are all great options.
* **Make it Spicy:** If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
* **Make it Healthier:** Use whole wheat spaghetti, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese to make the dish healthier.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Creamy chicken spaghetti can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Spicy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use a hotter variety of Rotel tomatoes.
* **Mushroom Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:** Saute 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms in butter before adding them to the sauce. Cremini or button mushrooms work well.
* **Spinach Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:** Add 5 ounces of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
* **Broccoli Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:** Steam or roast 1 cup of broccoli florets and add them to the spaghetti along with the chicken.
* **Bacon Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:** Cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and add it to the spaghetti along with the chicken. You can also use bacon grease to saute the vegetables.
* **Jalapeno Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:** Add 1-2 diced jalapenos to the sauce for a spicy and flavorful twist. Remove the seeds for less heat.
* **Italian Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:** Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce. You can also use Italian sausage instead of chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy chicken spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or garlic bread.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and creamy spaghetti.
* **Garlic Bread:** Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious side dishes.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the sauce and chicken up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, cook the spaghetti and combine everything according to the recipe instructions.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams

*Please note that this is an approximate estimate and the actual nutritional information may vary.*

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound spaghetti
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), drained
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook chicken using your preferred method (boiling, baking, or rotisserie).
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Stir in cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, milk (or broth), garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat.
7. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
8. (Optional) Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Spaghetti!