Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: One Bite and You’ll Be Hooked
Looking for a cozy meal that’s sure to please the whole family? This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is everything you love about creamy pasta, tender chicken, and lots of cheese—all packed into one delicious dish. It’s a quick, easy, and perfect dinner on a busy night. Let’s dive into this cheesy goodness!
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, or thighs if you prefer)
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles (or your favorite pasta)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or you can use homemade if you prefer)
- 1 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ onion (diced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (for a hint of smoky flavor)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken. You can grill, bake, or sauté it—whatever method you prefer! Here’s a quick sauté method:
- Sauté: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.
- Boil the Spaghetti
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. You’re almost there!
- Make the Cheesy Sauce
Now, let’s create that dreamy, cheesy sauce:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat in a large saucepan or skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion—Sauté for about 2 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the cream cheese and cook until it’s fully melted and smooth.
- Pour in the cream of chicken soup and milk (or chicken broth). Stir everything together until you have a nice, creamy mixture.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is thick and velvety.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you like an extra flavor kick, add more paprika!
- Combine Everything
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Add your shredded chicken to the cheesy sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the chicken absorbs all the cheesy goodness.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles into the sauce and chicken mixture. Mix everything until the noodles are generously coated in the creamy sauce.
- Optional: Bake for a Crispy Top
If you want that delicious crispy cheese topping, go ahead and bake this dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the cheesy chicken spaghetti to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with some extra shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Add veggies: Sneak in some spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for an extra dose of veggies.
- Spice it up: Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or throw some sliced jalapeños to spice things up!
- Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven or microwave.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your cheesy chicken spaghetti with a light side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Garnish with a little chopped parsley or extra shredded cheese on top for that restaurant-worthy finish.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is an easy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether you bake it for a crispy top or serve it straight from the stove, this dish will soon become a family favorite!
Enjoy every bite—your taste buds will thank you!
This recipe is easy to follow, fun to make, and sure to impress. It’s also the perfect meal for sharing with loved ones. Happy cooking!
