Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This Chicken Spaghetti recipe is the perfect comfort food! With creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese, tender chicken, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this easy-to-make dish is sure to please the whole family. Made with simple ingredients like chicken breasts, cream cheese, cheddar, and spaghetti, it’s a great weeknight meal. This baked chicken spaghetti is also customizable, making it perfect for all tastes—add extra cheese or spice it up with green chilies. Serve it with garlic bread for the ultimate satisfying meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup milk
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 10 oz. diced tomatoes and green chilies (with juice reserved)

For the Pasta and Topping

• 8 oz. thin spaghetti
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Red pepper flakes and chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken (Optional – Use Pre-Cooked Chicken to Save Time)

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Pat them dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled, dice into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Sauce

1. Prepare the Pan: Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the same pan, scraping up the browned chicken bits (fond) with a silicone spatula for added flavor.
2. Cook Aromatics: Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add Liquids: Gradually add chicken broth, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency. Repeat with the milk, whisking until the mixture is thick and creamy.
5. Simmer: Let the sauce simmer gently while you prepare the pasta. Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
6. Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until combined. Adjust thickness with reserved tomato juice, if desired. Add the diced tomatoes and cooked chicken, mixing well.

Combine and Bake

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and stir it into the sauce.
2. Assemble: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
3. Top and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
4. Optional Broil: To brown the cheese, broil for 1–2 minutes at 475°F (245°C). Watch closely to prevent burning.

Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.
2. Pair: Serve hot, ideally with garlic bread and a fresh side salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: A comforting blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese that everyone will enjoy.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
• Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your taste with different cheeses, veggies, or pasta types.

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Tips

• Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier melting.
• Reserve a bit of pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce.
• Shred cheese from a block for better melting and flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, ground beef, or even shrimp.
• Cheese Choices: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Parmesan for a flavor twist.
• Spice Level: Add extra diced green chilies or cayenne for more heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What pasta works best?
Thin spaghetti is ideal, but regular spaghetti, linguine, or penne can also be used.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken spaghetti with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Salad: A crisp side salad balances the richness.
• Beverages: Pair with a light white wine or iced tea.

Enjoy this indulgent and satisfying dish with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite!