If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious meal to wow your family or friends, this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is an absolute gem. Packed with tender chicken, a dreamy creamy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti, and a perfect blend of herbs and cheeses, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a weeknight or want to impress with minimal fuss, this recipe hits every note for flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe comes together beautifully with straightforward yet wonderfully complementary ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the luscious sauce and balanced texture that makes this dish so memorable.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing chicken and vegetables, adding subtle richness and preventing sticking.
- Chicken breast (cubed): Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Onion (chopped): Brings a sweet, aromatic depth to the sauce as it softens.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that infuses the sauce with a classic Mediterranean flair.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to add a subtle kick without overwhelming the creamy flavors.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory moisture that helps build the sauce’s flavor base.
- Cream of chicken soup: The secret to deep, velvety creaminess and that nostalgic comfort taste.
- Cream cheese (softened): Melts into the sauce, creating a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, salty sharpness that brightens every bite.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently rich and silky.
- Spaghetti: Holds the creamy sauce so well with its long, tender strands.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper: Adds warmth and subtle spice for balance.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): The perfect fresh, herbal finish that adds color and brightness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the cubed chicken breast and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until the pieces are browned on the outside and fully cooked through. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy while developing great flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Remove the chicken and set it aside for now. Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent and soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Season and Start the Sauce
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds to release their full fragrance. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine all those lovely flavors from the bottom of the pan into a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Mix in the cream of chicken soup until fully incorporated with the broth and seasoning. Then, cut the softened cream cheese into chunks and stir it in carefully, allowing it to melt slowly into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Cream
Once the cream cheese has melted, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until it becomes part of the sauce, adding a slightly nutty kick. Finally, pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir so the sauce achieves its signature velvety texture.
Step 6: Season and Cook Pasta
Season the sauce gently with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti following package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water for later.
Step 7: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with your creamy sauce, mixing to coat the chicken pieces well. Then toss in the spaghetti, gently folding everything together so the noodles are fully coated with that luscious sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick at this point.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serving
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and bright herbal notes. Your Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is now perfectly ready to serve—creamy, comforting, and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, adding a lovely pop of green and freshness that balances the richness of the dish. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or even a dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides to contrast the creamy texture. Think a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy chicken spaghetti in small individual ramekins or pasta bowls for a cozy, personalized touch. Sprinkle extra herbs or cheese on top tableside for a bit of drama. You can even add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Creamy Chicken Spaghetti cool to room temperature after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, retaining much of its creamy goodness.
Freezing
Though freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky, this recipe freezes reasonably well if stored properly. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s silky texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more moisture and a richer flavor, so just adjust cooking time until they’re tender and cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese to lighten the sauce while still keeping some creaminess.
Can this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap out regular spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta option. Just be sure to follow cooking instructions on the package for best results.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade version by combining a béchamel sauce with chicken broth and a pinch of seasoning if fresh soup isn’t available.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavors without overpowering the creaminess. You can always reduce or omit them based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and approachable, perfect for any night you want something truly satisfying without hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, it’s easy to see why it quickly becomes a favorite to keep in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’re in for a deliciously creamy, comforting treat!
Print
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken spaghetti recipe featuring tender cubed chicken breast simmered in a luscious cream cheese and Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and fresh parsley for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dry Goods and Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to keep warm.
- Sauté onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add herbs and spices: Mix in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors into the mixture.
- Pour in broth: Add 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine thoroughly with the onion, garlic, and spices.
- Add cream of chicken soup: Stir in the cream of chicken soup until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into chunks and add them to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted fully and is well blended into the sauce.
- Add heavy cream: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season sauce: Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, adjusting seasoning to your taste preference.
- Cook spaghetti: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta: Once cooked, drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Return chicken to sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring to combine.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta thoroughly in the creamy chicken sauce.
- Adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley to add freshness and color.
- Serve immediately: Serve the creamy chicken spaghetti right away, garnished with extra parsley if desired for a flavorful presentation.
Notes
- To prevent the cream cheese from clumping, ensure it is fully softened before adding to the skillet.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Italian seasoning can be substituted with a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
