Get ready to transform your dinner table with **The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Spaghetti** – a recipe that promises to be a new family favorite! This delightful baked pasta dish calls for tender slices of grilled chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, a rich and savory cream of chicken sauce, a secret ingredient of zesty salsa, creamy sour cream, and an abundance of melty cheese. It’s an incredibly satisfying comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Spaghetti: Your New Go-To Family Dinner
This Chicken Spaghetti recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a culinary revelation that has been perfected over time. For years, I sought to create a chicken spaghetti that truly stood out from the crowd, a dish that wasn’t just “good enough” but truly exceptional. Many traditional chicken spaghetti recipes often feature Rotel tomatoes, which, while adding some color and a hint of spice, frequently leave the overall flavor profile somewhat subdued. My mission was to elevate this classic comfort food, infusing it with layers of vibrant taste without making the process overly complicated.
After much experimentation, I discovered two game-changing ingredients: using my favorite flavorful salsa instead of plain Rotel, and incorporating pre-cooked grilled chicken. The addition of a robust salsa (I personally love mild Herdez for its balanced zest) makes an unparalleled difference, introducing a depth of flavor that a simple can of diced tomatoes and green chiles just can’t match. This single swap transforms the sauce from merely creamy to wonderfully dynamic and exciting. Paired with succulent, pre-grilled chicken—whether freshly grilled in your kitchen or conveniently purchased from the store—the dish gains an extra layer of smoky, savory goodness that takes it over the top. The combination of these thoughtful adjustments has truly allowed me to craft what I believe is the best Chicken Spaghetti you’ll ever taste, all while maintaining its status as an effortlessly easy meal to prepare.
This recipe is designed to bring joy and ease to your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that disappears quickly from the casserole dish, eliciting smiles and requests for seconds. It balances richness with freshness, and comfort with convenience, making it an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a truly memorable family dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Spaghetti
Curious about how to get the most out of this incredible Chicken Spaghetti recipe? Here are some common questions and detailed answers to help you achieve perfect results every time.
What makes this Chicken Spaghetti recipe stand out from others?
The key differentiator in this recipe is the swap from traditional Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) to a high-quality salsa. Salsa brings a more complex and vibrant flavor profile, often including onions, cilantro, and various spices, which deeply enriches the sauce. Additionally, incorporating a touch of taco seasoning further enhances this Tex-Mex inspired twist, creating a super flavorful dish that’s a delightful departure from bland versions.
Can I use different types of pasta for Chicken Spaghetti?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is my preference for its delicate texture that beautifully coats with the creamy sauce, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. Thin spaghetti, regular spaghetti, fettuccine, or even linguine can work wonderfully. Each pasta type will offer a slightly different mouthfeel and sauce adherence. For those seeking a low-carb alternative, some readers have successfully substituted traditional spaghetti with spaghetti squash, resulting in a delicious and healthier option.
What shortcuts can I take to prepare this dish more quickly?
To significantly cut down on prep time, opt for pre-cooked chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice, providing tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Alternatively, many grocery stores offer pre-cooked grilled chicken strips in their deli or refrigerated sections. Using these ready-to-use chicken options means you only need to chop and add them to the dish, making this meal come together in a flash.
Can I make Chicken Spaghetti in a Crock-Pot (slow cooker)?
To be entirely transparent, I haven’t personally developed a Crock-Pot version for this specific recipe, as pasta can be tricky in slow cookers, sometimes becoming overly soft or gummy. Cooking pasta directly in the slow cooker often requires a significant amount of liquid, which could dilute the rich, creamy sauce intended for this baked version. While some slow cooker pasta dishes exist (like my Crock-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, which requires ample water for proper pasta cooking), adapting this creamy chicken spaghetti would require careful adjustments to prevent a watery or mushy result. If you do experiment with a slow cooker, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it towards the end, or be prepared to adjust liquid amounts carefully. I’d love to hear about your results in the comments if you try it!
Can I add more sauce to my Chicken Spaghetti?
If you prefer an extra-creamy and saucy Chicken Spaghetti, you can certainly enhance the sauce. A simple way to do this is by adding a little more sour cream. For an even more luxurious consistency without diluting the flavor, you can also stir in a small amount of the starchy water from the cooked pasta. This pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly smooth and clings beautifully to the noodles.
How do I store leftover Chicken Spaghetti?
Storing leftovers is simple! Once cooled, transfer any remaining Chicken Spaghetti to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can Chicken Spaghetti be frozen?
Yes, Chicken Spaghetti freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal option. To freeze, allow the cooked dish to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap the entire baking dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Proper wrapping is crucial to protect against freezer burn. When stored correctly, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in the oven until hot and bubbly, or reheat individual portions from frozen at a lower temperature until thoroughly warmed.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Chicken Spaghetti
Crafting this phenomenal Chicken Spaghetti requires a few simple yet powerful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for each:
- Angel Hair Pasta: I lean towards angel hair for its delicate strands that beautifully absorb and cling to the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use your preferred pasta, such as regular spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine, for a heartier bite.
- Cooked Chicken: The convenience of pre-cooked chicken is a true time-saver here. A succulent rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, works perfectly, adding incredible flavor. You can also use pre-cooked grilled chicken strips from the deli section, or simply grill and dice your own chicken breasts for a fresh touch.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the rich, savory base of our sauce. While cream of chicken is traditional, you can easily substitute it with cream of mushroom soup for an earthy twist, or even cream of celery soup if that’s what you have on hand. For a truly homemade touch, consider making your own homemade cream of chicken soup.
- Salsa: This is our secret weapon! Instead of bland Rotel, a good quality salsa (mild Herdez is my absolute favorite for its balanced flavor) introduces a delightful tang and a subtle spice that truly elevates the dish. Choose your preferred heat level, from mild to medium.
- Sour Cream: Essential for adding an irresistible creaminess and a slight tang that perfectly balances the other flavors. Full-fat sour cream yields the richest results, but you can also use plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative with a similar tang.
- Mexican Cheese Blend: A ready-made Mexican cheese blend offers a convenient mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, asadero, and queso blanco, providing fantastic melting qualities and a robust flavor. Feel free to shred your own blend or use just cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Taco Seasoning: A generous tablespoon of taco seasoning is crucial for infusing that delicious, authentic Tex-Mex flavor profile. You can use a store-bought packet or whip up your own homemade taco seasoning for a fresher taste.
- Dried Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of dried parsley at the end adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note, making the dish visually appealing.
How to Make the Best Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and incredibly flavorful Chicken Spaghetti that will have everyone asking for your recipe!
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously spray it with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of angel hair pasta (this is typically half of a standard 16-ounce box). Cook according to package directions until al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the empty pot (with the heat off).
- Combine the Core Ingredients: To the pot with the drained pasta, add your 2 cups of chopped, cooked chicken and the 2 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup. Stir these together until the pasta and chicken are well coated.
- Add the Flavor Powerhouses: Next, stir in the 1 cup of zesty salsa and the ½ cup of creamy sour cream. These ingredients are key to the unique and rich flavor of this dish. Continue to stir until everything is smoothly incorporated.
- Cheese and Seasoning: Now, add 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the mixture. Stir vigorously for a few minutes, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined and the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce. The mixture should be thick and cohesive.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire chicken spaghetti mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mexican cheese blend generously over the top of the pasta mixture. For an optional touch of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle a little dried parsley over the cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with nonstick aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken spaghetti is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your ultimate creamy Chicken Spaghetti!
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
This creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few complementary side dishes to create a complete and satisfying dinner. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Warm, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sweet corn. A glass of iced tea or a simple sparkling water would complete this delightful meal.
Craving More Comforting Recipes?
If you loved this Chicken Spaghetti, explore more of our cherished family recipes that bring warmth and flavor to your table:
- One Pot Taco Spaghetti
- Baked Spaghetti For Two
- Mexican Million Dollar Spaghetti
- School Cafeteria Spaghetti
- Spaghetti Cups
- Cowboy Spaghetti
- Friendship Spaghetti Pie
- Baked Spaghetti (Spasagna)
- Butter Swim Biscuits
- Homemade Velveeta
- 30 Chicken Breast Recipes
Originally published: June 2016
Updated with new photos and republished: December 2024
The Best Chicken Spaghetti
This Chicken Spaghetti recipe masterfully combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, rich cream of chicken soup, zesty salsa, tangy sour cream, and a generous layer of melted cheese for a deliciously creamy and flavorful baked spaghetti. It’s truly a dish that earns its “best” title!
Average Rating: 4.85 out of 5 stars (based on 444 reviews)
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta (half of a 16 ounce box)
- 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup salsa (recommended: mild Herdez)
- ½ cup sour cream (recommended: Daisy Pure & Natural Sour Cream)
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, divided use
- 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (for topping)
- Dried parsley (for topping, optional) (recommended: Good & Gather Parsley Flakes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook 8 ounces angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Place pasta back into the pot (heat off). Add 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken, 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup, 1 cup salsa, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup Mexican cheese blend, and 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. This may take a few minutes to ensure everything is evenly mixed into a creamy sauce.
- Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top generously with the remaining 1 cup of Mexican cheese blend. Optional: Sprinkle with dried parsley for garnish.
- Cover the baking dish with nonstick aluminum foil.
- Cook in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Video Guide
Watch how to make this delicious Chicken Spaghetti step-by-step in our video tutorial!
Notes
- For more detailed answers to common questions and ingredient substitutions, please refer to the FAQ section and ingredient list above in the article.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 496mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information provided is an estimate based on commonly used ingredients. If precise calorie counts and other nutritional values are important for your dietary needs, we recommend independently calculating the nutritional content using your preferred online calculator and the specific brands of ingredients you use, as values can vary significantly.
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