If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy blend of cheeses and seasonings that create an irresistible, gooey sauce. This dish balances hearty flavors and a luscious texture, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your all-time favorites because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and so satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe right is all about simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. Each element plays a vital role in adding texture, richness, or freshness, ensuring every bite is deliciously balanced.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Provides a tender, protein-packed base with a mild flavor that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta choice; it holds the creamy sauce perfectly while offering a satisfying bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and enhances the overall flavor with a subtle richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth when softened.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and gentle crunch to the mix.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The secret to creating a creamy, luscious sauce base without any fuss.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, making the sauce velvety smooth.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly while infusing more savory chicken flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and melts into gooey goodness that defines this dish.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers mild, melty richness that complements the cheddar.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory background taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful color boost.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Once the pasta is perfectly tender, drain it and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up all those lovely cheesy flavors later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook them until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step adds brightness and texture to the dish, ensuring it’s never one-note.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until you have a smooth, silky mixture. This combination is the heart of your sauce, giving the dish that irresistible creamy base packed with flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Skillet
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a harmonious blend of spice and seasoning. Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti, folding everything together gently but thoroughly to make sure every strand is lovingly coated.
Step 5: Melt the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit a few minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey blanket. This final touch is what turns the dish into the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, fresh garnishes are key. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes also adds warmth if you love a little kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess, and roasted broccoli or steamed green beans add texture and nutrition without overpowering the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheesy chicken spaghetti in mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins for individual servings that impress at dinner parties. Alternatively, try stuffing the mixture into bell peppers or baking it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese for a comforting baked version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesy chicken spaghetti tastes just as good the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s an easy, delicious option for quick lunches or a no-fuss dinner after a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish even longer, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, warm it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or even egg noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini can boost the texture and flavor.
What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices for their melting qualities and flavor balance. You could also experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little extra zing.
How spicy is the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
The recipe itself is mild, but you can customize the heat level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your liking during the cooking process or as a garnish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble the dish shortly before cooking. Alternatively, make it fully and refrigerate, then reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe inspires you to dive into something warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a meal that tastes like pure joy in every bite!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, creamy pasta dish loaded with tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich cheese sauce. Soft spaghetti noodles are coated in a velvety mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth, then baked with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. This easy-to-make dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk the mixture well until smooth and thoroughly blended.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Stir everything until the pasta is evenly coated and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add seasonings and cheese: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Mix thoroughly. Then stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella cheese, saving 1/2 cup of cheddar for topping.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the cheesy chicken spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti!
Notes
- You can substitute different pasta shapes if you prefer, such as penne or rotini.
- For added heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish lighter, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
