Creamy Spaghetti Chicken is a comforting, rich dish that combines tender shredded chicken with perfectly cooked spaghetti, all tossed in a velvety cream sauce. The sauce is made with a blend of cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of butter, creating a luscious coating for the pasta. Seasoned with herbs like thyme or parsley, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal.
I first made Creamy Spaghetti Chicken when I needed a quick, satisfying dinner that would use up some leftover chicken, and it turned out to be a hit. The creamy sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, while the chicken adds a protein-packed heartiness. What I love most about this recipe is how easily you can customize it—add mushrooms, spinach, or a hint of lemon zest for a burst of freshness. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a comforting plate of pasta, this dish delivers every time!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Quick weeknight meals
- Potlucks
- Pasta enthusiasts
- Comfort food cravings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Creamy Spaghetti Chicken will become a household favorite:
- Creamy and Comforting: The velvety sauce coats the pasta and chicken beautifully, creating a satisfying dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh chicken, this recipe is as accessible as it is delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: Its creamy texture and mild flavors make it a hit with kids.
- Versatile Add-ins: Easily customize with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Protein-Packed: Provides a hearty dose of protein from the chicken and parmesan.
- Leftover-Friendly: Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients for a filling and flavorful meal.
- Elegant Enough for Guests: A simple yet impressive dish for dinner parties.
- Customizable Herbs: Adjust the seasoning to your preference, from classic parsley to fragrant basil.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Creamy Spaghetti Chicken:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Baby spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it’s a perfect protein for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxuriously rich and silky sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice for this creamy dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Spaghetti: Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken slices with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Season Sauce: Add dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine and Serve:
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Add Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley and additional parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Creamy Spaghetti Chicken:
- Classic with Garlic Bread: Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
- With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced dinner.
- Family-Style: Bring the skillet to the table for easy serving.
- Topped with Extra Cheese: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for an extra cheesy kick.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with roasted broccoli or asparagus.
- For Meal Prep: Portion into containers for a convenient grab-and-go lunch.
- As a Pasta Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
- On a Cold Night: Perfect comfort food to warm you up during chilly evenings.
- For Celebrations: Dress it up with a sprinkle of truffle oil for a special occasion.
Additional Tips
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle them on top before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Use Grated Parmesan: For an extra cheesy kick, top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the dish’s nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. They add color and texture.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or stir in a bit of sriracha.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier and more flavorful dish, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Cream Cheese Alternative: If you’re looking for a lighter version, try substituting the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, so it maintains a firm texture and doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors and achieve a rich, creamy consistency.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: A little lemon juice can brighten the dish and balance out the richness of the cream.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: If you’re short on time, cook the chicken and pasta in the same pot, adding the sauce ingredients once the chicken is done. This minimizes cleanup and infuses the pasta with more flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Spaghetti: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Spinach and Artichoke Spaghetti: Stir in spinach and chopped artichoke hearts for a twist.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Spaghetti: Add a splash of lemon juice and fresh basil for a bright, zesty version.
- Beef Bacon and Chicken Spaghetti: Incorporate crispy beef bacon bits for extra savoriness.
- Shrimp Variation: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood option.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Cheesy Baked Spaghetti: Top with mozzarella and bake for a cheesy casserole.
- Pesto Chicken Spaghetti: Mix in a dollop of pesto for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for roasted vegetables or tofu.
- Herb Infusion: Use rosemary or thyme for a deeper, aromatic flavor.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling spaghetti.
- Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and sauce.
- Tongs: For tossing spaghetti with sauce.
- Garlic Press: For easily mincing garlic.
- Cheese Grater: To freshly grate parmesan cheese.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing chicken and chopping parsley.
FAQ Section
- Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well with the creamy sauce. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. - Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. - What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cornstarch can work as a lighter alternative. - How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Simmer gently and avoid boiling the cream. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative. - What’s the best way to reheat without drying out?
Add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to maintain creaminess. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works great; simply skip the cooking step. - How do I make this gluten-free?
Substitute gluten-free spaghetti and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to accommodate.
Conclusion
Creamy Spaghetti Chicken is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked spaghetti, all coated in a rich and creamy sauce. Infused with flavors of garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan, this meal is a deliciously satisfying option for family dinners or casual gatherings. Each bite delivers a luscious mix of creamy textures and savory goodness that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
This dish is as versatile as it is tasty—you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, or add a bit of spice with crushed red pepper flakes. Whether served as a main course or paired with a fresh side salad and garlic bread, Creamy Spaghetti Chicken is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
I can’t wait to see how your Creamy Spaghetti Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your mouthwatering creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!