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This creamy, cheesy Chicken Spaghetti recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Topped with melted mozzarella and a hint of spice, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Chicken

2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
¾ cup milk
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
10 oz. diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained

Pasta and Topping

8 oz. thin spaghetti
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Chicken (Optional)

Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Pat them dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Dice into bite-sized pieces once cooled.

Make the Sauce

Prepare the Base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt the butter in the same skillet and scrape up any browned bits (fond) left from the chicken. This adds great flavor to the sauce.
Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the onions and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Liquids: Gradually add chicken broth, stirring well between additions to maintain a smooth consistency. Add the milk in the same manner, whisking until combined.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cool slightly.
Add Cheddar and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Add the diced tomatoes and cooked chicken. Stir to combine.

Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well.
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. If using a casserole dish, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch dish.

Bake

Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti.
Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Optional Broil: To achieve a golden, bubbly topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at 475°F, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, and serve warm with garlic bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly: A comforting dish loved by both kids and adults.
Cheesy Goodness: A creamy, cheesy sauce that’s full of flavor.
Simple and Flexible: Easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables.

Tips

Softening Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier melting.
Cooking Chicken: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options: Swap chicken with cooked turkey, shrimp, or sausage.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Cheese Alternatives: Use Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda for different flavor profiles.
Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes for more or less heat.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken? A: Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving

Serve Chicken Spaghetti with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water makes an excellent pairing.

Suggestions

Extra Flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the sauce.
Meal Prep: Make a double batch and freeze one for an easy weeknight dinner.
Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or fresh basil for added elegance.