Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food!

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a must-try! Tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce come together in this irresistible baked casserole. The best part? It’s made with simple pantry staples and comes together in just a few easy steps.

This dish isn’t your typical tomato-based spaghetti—it’s loaded with a creamy sauce, melted mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful kick from Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ready to add this cheesy goodness to your dinner rotation? Stick around—this recipe will soon be your new favorite comfort food!

🛒 Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this cheesy, comforting casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  Swap option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing the chicken.
• ½ tablespoon salt – To season the pasta water.
• 8 oz spaghetti – Cooked al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• ¼ cup salted butter – Adds richness.
• 1 medium onion, diced – A savory flavor base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts the flavor.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Use homemade or a good-quality store-bought broth.
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect herb blend for added depth.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided) – Sharp, cheesy goodness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) – Adds a gooey, stretchy texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream – For an ultra-creamy finish.
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel), drained – Brings tanginess and a slight kick.

🔄 Optional Add-Ins:

• Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
• Use Parmesan or Monterey Jack for an extra cheese boost.

🍳 How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti – Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a cheesy, creamy masterpiece:

🔥 1. Cook the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets for quicker, even cooking.
3. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Sear the chicken cutlets on both sides until golden brown and cooked through—about 7-10 minutes total.
5. Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest on a cutting board, and chop it into ½-inch pieces.

🍝 2. Cook the Pasta:

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add ½ tablespoon salt to the water, then stir in the spaghetti.
3. Cook until al dente (firm to the bite) according to package instructions.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

🧄 3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in ¼ cup flour and stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and form a roux.
4. Gradually pour in 2 cups chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce begins to thicken.

🧀 4. Add Cheese & Cream:

1. Lower the heat and stir in ½ cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
2. Add the heavy cream and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

🍅 5. Combine Everything:

1. Turn off the heat and stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, cooked chicken, and spaghetti.
2. Mix everything together until well combined.

🔥 6. Bake the Casserole:

1. Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella on top.
3. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden.

⏲️ Cooking Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

🍽️ Servings: This recipe yields 6 hearty servings—perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

💡 Scaling Tip: Want to feed a larger crowd? Simply double the ingredients and bake in two casserole dishes or a large roasting pan. Adjust baking time by adding 5-10 minutes for larger portions.

💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Spaghetti

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente:
   Overcooked spaghetti turns mushy when baked, so make sure you cook it until just firm to the bite.
2. Use the Same Skillet:
   No need to clean the pan after cooking the chicken—those browned bits at the bottom are packed with flavor and will infuse your sauce with extra deliciousness.
3. Let the Chicken Rest:
   Resting your chicken before cutting helps retain its juices, ensuring tender, flavorful bites.
4. Don’t Skip the Rotel Tomatoes:
   These tomatoes with green chiles bring a zesty kick and balance the richness of the cream sauce perfectly.
5. Cheese Blend Matters:
   The combination of cheddar and mozzarella adds depth—cheddar brings sharpness, while mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy texture.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Each serving of this creamy chicken spaghetti provides a satisfying balance of protein, fats, and carbs. Here’s the breakdown:

• Calories: 572 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Fat: 37 g
• Sodium: 843 mg
• Fiber: 2 g

💡 Healthier Swap Ideas:

• Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a lighter version.
• Opt for reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Instructions

📦 How to Store Leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

🔥 How to Reheat:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
• Microwave: Warm single portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes until hot. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• From Frozen: Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes (covered with foil).

📋 Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this hearty casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. The addition of Rotel tomatoes gives a subtle kick, balancing the creaminess and adding an irresistible flavor twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings 6

Calories 572 kcal

Equipment

• Large deep skillet
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ tablespoon salt for pasta water
• 8 oz spaghetti uncooked
• ¼ cup salted butter
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel), drained

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Sear in olive oil for 7-10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest, then chop into ½-inch pieces.
• Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until soft.
• Stir in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
• Slowly add chicken broth while stirring. Let the sauce thicken.
• Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, ½ cup cheddar, ½ cup mozzarella, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
• Turn off heat and fold in diced tomatoes, cooked chicken, and spaghetti.
• Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
• Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Video

Notes

Substitute chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add veggies: Try sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Rotel tomatoes for extra heat.

Keyword Chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy pasta bake, baked chicken spaghetti, comfort food recipe

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔥 Can I freeze chicken spaghetti before baking?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

🍗 Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and stir it into the sauce with the pasta.

🧀 What cheese works best for chicken spaghetti?

A combo of cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect balance of flavor and stretchiness. You can also experiment with Monterey Jack or Parmesan for added richness.

🌶️ How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Rotel tomatoes for an extra kick.

🍝 Can I swap spaghetti for another pasta?

Yes, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Just cook it al dente to avoid mushiness.

💭 Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—it’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with rich flavors, all while being easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something indulgent, this dish delivers every time.

🍴 Pro Tip: Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me in your delicious creations. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨