Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe You’ll Love

The aroma of cheesy chicken spaghetti wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Picture this: creamy, gooey cheese clinging lovingly to tender chicken and al dente spaghetti, all brought together in a glorious harmony that begs for a fork to dive in. Honestly, if I could bottle up this dish and wear it as perfume, I would!

This delightful recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years. I remember the first time I made it; my taste buds danced like they were at a disco party while my family swooned over each bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, cheesy chicken spaghetti is the star of the show, creating memories and satisfying cravings with every single noodle.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for the perfect protein base; adjust according to your crowd size.
• Spaghetti: Any pasta shape will do, but traditional spaghetti holds sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves to ensure maximum flavor; they’re the secret weapon in this dish.
• Cream Cheese: This creamy delight adds richness and helps bind everything together in cheesy harmony.
• Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works wonders here; aim for about two cups for optimal cheesiness.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels without compromising flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds depth and helps sauté your chicken beautifully.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A teaspoon or two will add that classic Italian flair we all crave.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking dish ready by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Chop your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces; it makes eating easier and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté your chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through—about five to seven minutes should do the trick. Season them with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs during cooking.

Step 3: Boil Your Pasta

While your chicken sizzles away like an old-school rock star, boil water in another pot. Once boiling, add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it but keep a cup of pasta water handy; trust me on this one!

Step 4: Create the Sauce

In that same skillet with leftover chicken goodness (don’t waste those flavors!), lower heat and add minced garlic—sauté until fragrant. Add cream cheese along with half of your shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Stir in some chicken broth from your reserved cup until you achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now comes the fun part! Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet along with the cheesy mixture and cooked chicken. Mix well—this is not a time for shyness! If it looks too thick, gently stir in more pasta water until everything coats nicely.

Step 6: Bake & Serve

Transfer your cheesy concoction into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top like confetti at a birthday party! Bake for about twenty minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

And there you have it—delicious cheesy chicken spaghetti ready to steal hearts (and stomachs) at any table! Enjoy every mouthful while reminiscing about how you’ve just created something truly magical in your kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, sear the chicken until golden brown. While that’s happening, boil the spaghetti in a separate pot. Then, whip up your cheesy sauce in the same pan as the chicken to capture all those delicious flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even add some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or pepper jack to give it a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm or bake in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out.

It was my sister’s birthday when I first made Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. Her delighted “Yum!” echoed through the house, and I knew I had discovered something special that day!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?

To make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, gather the following ingredients: cooked spaghetti, shredded cooked chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You will also need salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients come together to create a creamy and cheesy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and chicken. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.

How long does it take to prepare Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?

Preparing Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking time. The total time is approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a quick weeknight meal option. The ease of preparation allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time! Simply assemble the dish as directed but do not bake it right away. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, remove it from the fridge and bake as instructed. This makes it a convenient option for busy days.

What can I serve with Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or breadsticks also complement this dish nicely, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the creamy pasta. For an extra touch of flavor, consider serving it with a light vinaigrette on the salad or some fresh herbs sprinkled over the top.

Conclusion for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti:

In summary, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken and creamy cheese with your favorite pasta. Its simple preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights while still being packed with flavor. By utilizing common pantry ingredients, you can whip up this comforting meal in no time. Whether you choose to customize it with veggies or serve alongside a fresh salad, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Print

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti into a delightful dish that warms your heart and satisfies your cravings. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, creating lasting memories with every delicious bite. With its irresistible flavor and vibrant presentation, it’s bound to become a family favorite in no time.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
3. Meanwhile, boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. In the same skillet with the chicken, lower heat and add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant. Mix in cream cheese and half of the shredded cheeses until melted.
5. Stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Add cooked spaghetti and chicken; mix well.
6. Transfer mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining shredded cheese, and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider folding in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with different cheeses such as Gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.