This Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta, it’s full of flavor and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Plus, it’s simple to make and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Let’s get started!
Key Benefits
This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a comforting dish that brings the whole family together.
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, coming together in under an hour. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti, creates a rich and flavorful dish that’s hard to beat. Every bite is a comforting explosion of taste.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer your spaghetti with a bit of spice, extra veggies, or a different cheese, this recipe allows you to make it your own. Feel free to experiment and adjust to your liking.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavor and comforting ingredients, this Chicken Spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will enjoy it, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Budget-Friendly: Using everyday ingredients like chicken breast, pasta, and basic seasonings, this dish is both affordable and delicious. It’s a great way to make the most out of your grocery budget while still serving up something special.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Chicken Spaghetti will hit the spot every time!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 large bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
Instructions
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this comforting Chicken Spaghetti. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, and then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Veggies:
Add more oil to the same skillet if needed. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce:
Add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, adjusting to taste
Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
Add the shredded chicken to the sauce, stirring to mix everything together. Then, add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy and cheesy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Chicken Spaghetti hot, and garnish with extra cheese or chopped herbs if you like. Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish with your favorite sides!
Pro Tips
To make sure your Chicken Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips to take your dish to the next level:
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker, flavor-packed option, use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It adds extra flavor and saves you time in the kitchen.
Get Creative with Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A bit of Parmesan or Gouda can add a unique flavor profile to your sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When boiling your spaghetti, make sure it’s cooked to al dente perfection. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold up well when mixed with the creamy sauce.
Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: Feel free to sneak in extra vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini can be great additions. Just sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. It’s an easy way to elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. If the sauce is too thick when mixing, add a little pasta water to help loosen it up and create a silky-smooth texture.
Make it Ahead: Chicken Spaghetti can be made ahead of time! Simply prepare everything up until you add the cheese, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just heat it up and stir in the cheese until melted.
These pro tips will help ensure your Chicken Spaghetti is creamy, flavorful, and a hit with everyone who tries it!
Variations
One of the best things about Chicken Spaghetti is its versatility. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Add Bacon: For a smoky, savory twist, toss in some crispy bacon bits. It pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for a medley of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Sauté them the same way you would the chicken, and you’ve got a hearty, vegetarian version of Chicken Spaghetti.
Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the sauce. If you want more heat, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes or chili powder.
Serving Suggestion: Side Salad
A fresh, crisp salad is the perfect side to complement the rich and creamy Chicken Spaghetti. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the pasta. Here’s a simple salad idea:
Mixed Greens: Use a blend of arugula, spinach, and baby kale for a fresh base.
Toppings: Add sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions for color and crunch.
Dressing: A lemon vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette will add the perfect zing to balance the richness of the spaghetti.
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FAQs
What sauces go in spaghetti?
For Chicken Spaghetti, a rich and creamy sauce is the star. Common options include:
Cream of chicken soup: This is the base of the sauce in many Chicken Spaghetti recipes, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.
Alfredo sauce: For a richer, cheesier flavor, Alfredo sauce can be used instead of cream-based soups.
Tomato-based sauces: Some variations of spaghetti use marinara or tomato sauce, but these are less common in Chicken Spaghetti.
What goes well with Chicken Spaghetti?
When serving Chicken Spaghetti, it pairs wonderfully with sides that balance the richness of the dish. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is an excellent choice. Other great accompaniments include garlic bread or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The key is to offer something light and refreshing to contrast the creamy pasta.