Chicken Spaghetti: A Comforting, Creamy, and Flavorful Dish

Apr 7, 2025 by Tania Sheff · This post may contain affiliate links

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love! 🍽️✨

I love this Chicken Spaghetti because it is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. This dish takes the simple combination of pasta and chicken to the next level with its rich and flavorful sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to serve to guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, it’s a go-to recipe for busy families. Plus, it’s versatile—meaning you can easily adjust it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

This recipe is one of those meals that checks all the boxes: it’s easy, quick, comforting, and delicious. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti makes for a satisfying and hearty meal. Best of all, it’s a recipe that the whole family will love.

Video Tutorial: Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 10 oz. uncooked spaghetti
• 12 oz. chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 2 tbsp. olive oil or butter
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or Half & Half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• ½ tsp. sea salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp. pepper, or to taste
• ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste

How to make Chicken Spaghetti

1. Add the pasta to a large pot with salted boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, spaghetti noodles cook for 8-10 minutes.

2. While the pasta is cooking, add olive oil and onion to a large skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions soften and turn golden brown.

3. Add garlic and chicken and cook for about 7-8 minutes on medium-high heat, until the chicken is almost cooked through.

4. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream, Parmesan, cheddar, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. (In the meantime, drain the pasta and reserve some of the pasta water).

5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well, thinning the sauce with reserved pasta water, if needed. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to turn this into Baked Chicken Spaghetti

If you’d like to turn this dish into baked Chicken Spaghetti, transfer the pasta mixture to a greased casserole dish, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Remove it from the oven, garnish it with fresh herbs, and serve.

Helpful Tips

• Choose the Right Pasta: While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or even penne for a slightly different texture.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cheddar melt better and enhance the flavor of the sauce compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta just until al dente ensures the best texture, especially since it will absorb some of the sauce when mixed together.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling better to the spaghetti.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: You can tweak the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breast is leaner, chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor.
• Make It Ahead: You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat it before serving, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to bring in more heat.
• Add More Seasonings: Use your favorite seasonings, such as paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, taco seasoning, etc.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
• Swap the Cheese: Instead of Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheese, try mozzarella, colby Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for a different taste.
• Try a Different Protein: Instead of chicken, use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Rotisserie chicken can also be used in this recipe. 
• Use a Different Sauce Base: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with a combination of milk and a bit of cream cheese.
• Make It Baked: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Add Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or parsley can enhance the flavors of the dish.

How to store Chicken Spaghetti

This Chicken Spaghetti stores well. 

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately. When ready to serve, cook fresh spaghetti and mix with the thawed sauce.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! Prepare individual portions in airtight containers for quick and easy meals during the week.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair It with a Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great contrast to the creamy pasta. Try my Iceberg Lettuce Salad!
• Garlic Bread on the Side: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Try my Air Fryer Garlic Bread!
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or brussels sprouts for added flavor and nutrition. Try my Easy Fajita Vegetables!
• A Glass of Wine: If serving this dish for a special occasion, pair it with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Top with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan or cheddar on top before serving for extra cheesiness.

Why This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a Winner

Chicken Spaghetti is one of those recipes that brings comfort to every bite. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable—whether you want to keep it classic, make it spicy, or sneak in some extra veggies, it works every time.

This dish is also a fantastic option for busy weeknights, as it comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s family-friendly, meaning even picky eaters will love it. Whether you make it as written or put your own twist on it, this Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Enjoy making this delicious meal, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations! Happy cooking!

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