Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special gatherings? This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe checks every box! With tender shredded chicken and al dente pasta wrapped in a luxuriously smooth, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that brings everyone rushing to the table. Every forkful is creamy, savory, and packed with homestyle flavor—guaranteed to become a tried-and-true favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is a beautiful blend of simple but essential ingredients, each one playing a key role in building up the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe’s decadent flavor and irresistible texture. From the creamy soup base to the sharp cheddar on top, every element works together to create magic.
- Spaghetti: The heart of the recipe; use spaghetti cooked al dente for the perfect bite that holds up in the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing your aromatics, bringing out their full flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Finely chopped for a touch of sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle, savory aroma and extra layer of flavor.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and gives you tender pieces that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy and rich—forms the foundation of that luscious sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a savory, umami undertone without any fuss.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the sauce with robust chicken flavor and keeps everything delightfully saucy.
- Sour Cream: Brings tanginess and extra creaminess, making every bite irresistible.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar delivers gooey richness and that classic cheesy finish.
- Paprika: Just enough to give a gentle warmth and color.
- Garlic Powder: Reinforces that comforting, garlicky goodness in every forkful.
- Black Pepper: A bit of subtle heat and seasoning, balancing all the creaminess.
- Salt: Ties all the flavors together and brightens up the whole dish.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who love a kick, this is your chance to add some gentle spice.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds a pop of freshness and lovely color right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Let’s get things started! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking. While the oven heats up, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente—just tender but still with a little bite. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. The aroma at this stage is heavenly—get ready for good things ahead!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Add your cooked, shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and a sprinkle of cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir it all together until smooth, creamy, and thoroughly combined. Let the mixture heat through gently—no need to boil.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet right into that luxurious sauce. Toss everything together, making sure every strand of pasta gets coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. If your skillet feels too crowded, transfer the sauce and spaghetti to a large mixing bowl instead.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the spaghetti mixture, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese across the top. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and perfectly golden-cheesy on top. The wait will be worth it, promise!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop of freshness and color, add a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. If you want to be a little extra, a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of black pepper on top can give your Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted broccoli, or even buttery garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce. If you’re hosting a crowd, try adding a platter of roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t feel limited to a casserole-style presentation! For a fun spin, spoon the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe into individual ramekins for single servings, or twist portions into little nests and broil for a few minutes to get a bubbly, golden crown. You can even serve over toasted bread for a delightful open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated portions just as satisfying as the first day.
Freezing
If you want to batch-cook or save some for later, freeze the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in a tightly wrapped, freezer-safe dish before baking. It’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed so it stays creamy and flavorful.
Reheating
To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the luscious texture. For larger portions, cover with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Either way, you’ll get that signature creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti gives you that classic feel, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne—whatever you have on hand. Just be sure to cook any pasta al dente so it holds up well with the sauce.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute for sour cream in this recipe, adding the same tang and creaminess but with a lighter twist. You can also try a dairy-free sour cream alternative if needed.
Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
Definitely! Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even thawed frozen peas along with the onions for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. It’s a great way to personalize the dish for your family.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time and dinner is ready when you are—so convenient!
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Turkey works just as well and is especially tasty around the holidays. Just shred it and use it in the same quantity as the chicken for a delicious twist on the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family with a meal that’s both effortless and outrageously comforting, it’s time to dive into this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive dinner with friends, this cheesy, creamy classic is sure to warm hearts and bring everyone together. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your new go-to favorite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this comforting Creamy Chicken Spaghetti recipe. A delightful blend of tender chicken, rich sauces, and melted cheese, baked to perfection for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente and drained
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté Onion: In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, soups, broth, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups cheese, spices. Mix well.
- Add Spaghetti: Stir in cooked spaghetti. Transfer to baking dish.
- Bake: Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
