Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy cheesy chicken spaghetti recipe that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Melted cheese blankets every strand, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

The combination of simple ingredients elevates this dish from basic to bold.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing classic.

Home cooks will love how quickly this meal comes together, delivering maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Prepare to dive into a plate of pure, cheesy deliciousness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

  • Choose fresh, tender chicken and ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor and richness in your dish.
  • Stir the cheese sauce continuously while melting to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
  • Cook spaghetti just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture that absorbs the cheesy sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Adjust green chiles and pepper to match your preferred heat intensity, making the recipe adaptable to different taste preferences.
  • Store remaining spaghetti in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.

Ways to Change Up Chicken Spaghetti Night

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Spaghetti: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free condensed soups to create a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, maintaining the creamy cheese sauce and vegetable elements.
  • Low-Fat Makeover: Use reduced-fat Velveeta, low-fat condensed soups, and Greek yogurt instead of milk to decrease overall calorie content while preserving flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of Velveeta, and incorporate southwestern spices like cumin and chili powder for a zesty kick.

Serving Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Flair

  • Family-Style Feast: Serve this hearty chicken spaghetti in a large, rustic ceramic dish that invites everyone to dig in together.
  • Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with ranch dressing and warm garlic breadsticks to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
  • Game Night Favorite: Portion into individual ramekins for easy serving during movie nights or casual gatherings with friends, making it a crowd-pleasing dish.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Storing Chicken Spaghetti for Extra Helpings

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place refrigerated spaghetti in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The green chiles add a mild kick, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust or remove them if you prefer a milder dish.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just ensure cooking time matches the pasta type.

  • What if I don't have Velveeta cheese?

Substitute with American cheese or a mild cheddar. The goal is a creamy, melty texture that blends well with the sauce.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat soups, replace whole milk with skim milk, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Why Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Is Always a Favorite

  • A one-pot wonder that combines pasta, protein, and creamy cheese sauce in a single pan, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
  • Packed with melted Velveeta, tender chicken, and a hint of green chiles, this dish offers a crowd-pleasing flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes, this spaghetti recipe provides a satisfying and nutritious dinner solution for busy households craving a hearty, flavorful meal.
  • Easily adaptable with optional additions like extra vegetables or different protein options, making it perfect for customizing to your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients for the Cheesiest Chicken Spaghetti

Main Ingredients:
  • Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the perfect base for this creamy and hearty dish.
  • Cooked Chicken: Tender cubed chicken that adds protein and substance to the recipe.
  • Velveeta: A smooth, melty cheese that creates a rich and creamy sauce.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy soups that provide a thick and flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Milk: Helps to thin and smooth out the cheese sauce.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty finish to the dish.
Seasonings and Vegetables:
  • Garlic Powder, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Diced Tomatoes, Chopped Green Chiles: Add moisture, tanginess, and a slight kick to the chicken spaghetti.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh and bright color and flavor.

Must-Have Tools for Chicken Spaghetti

  • Dutch Oven or Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy, cheesy sauce and combining all ingredients.
  • Colander: Essential for draining the cooked spaghetti quickly and efficiently.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping chicken, tomatoes, and green chiles.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise cutting of ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Serving Dish: Provides a beautiful presentation for the final cheesy chicken spaghetti.

Step-by-Step Chicken Spaghetti Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Grab your favorite spaghetti and cook it in a large pot of salted water until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Craft The Velvety Sauce

In a large cooking pot, combine:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Velveeta cheese
  • Milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper

Stir the ingredients over medium heat, whisking until the cheese melts into a smooth, luxurious sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Introduce Protein And Veggies

Fold in:
  • Cooked chicken chunks
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Green chiles

Simmer the mixture until everything is heated through and the flavors start to mingle and get cozy.

Step 4: Marry The Pasta And Sauce

Pour the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce.

Toss everything together, ensuring each strand gets a perfect coating of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Transfer the pasta to a beautiful serving dish.

Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and add a handful of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Dig in while it’s hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!

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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired cheesy chicken spaghetti delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked spaghetti
  • 2 cups (280 grams) cubed cooked chicken
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) Velveeta, cubed
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Canned Soups and Dairy:

  • 1 can (10-1/2 ounces or 298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • 1 can (10-1/2 ounces or 298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 can (4 ounces or 113 grams) chopped green chiles
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Minced fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

  1. Boil the spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set pasta aside, ensuring no excess water remains.
  2. Create a creamy base by melting Velveeta cubes in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Gradually incorporate condensed soups, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
  3. Introduce tender cubed chicken, vibrant diced tomatoes, and zesty green chiles into the molten cheese sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to warm through completely.
  4. Gently fold the reserved spaghetti into the cheesy chicken mixture, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated with the rich, creamy sauce. Stir delicately to prevent pasta from breaking.
  5. Transfer the aromatic spaghetti to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use high-quality Velveeta for the creamiest, smoothest cheese sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti perfectly.
  • Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to add extra flavor and save preparation time.
  • Consider using gluten-free spaghetti for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the dish’s rich, comforting taste.
  • Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium cream soups and adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for enhanced flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 477
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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