Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a baked pasta dish combining tender chicken breasts, spaghetti, and a luscious cream sauce finished in the oven. It's a satisfying weeknight meal that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
1 10oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained, (Rotel) $1.00 ***)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, (divided) $1.24 **)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, (divided) $1.24 **)
16 Ingredients
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Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the four chicken cutlets to the skillet and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes total). Remove the chicken to a clean cutting board, and allow it to rest.
2
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/2 Tbsp of salt to the water then add the spaghetti pasta and boil until the pasta is tender (or al dente). Drain the pasta in a colander.
3
While the pasta is cooking, start making the sauce. In the same skillet that the chicken was cooked in, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until onion is translucent.
4
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir with the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flour starts to turn golden brown.
5
Slowly pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir to fully dissolve the flour from the bottom of the skillet. The flour will start to thicken the sauce when it returns to a simmer. Add 1/2 tsp of salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6
After the chicken breasts have rested, chop them into smaller ½ inch pieces.
7
Turn the heat off the skillet and add the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, the chopped chicken, and the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Mix until combined.
8
Add the chicken spaghetti mixture to a 9x13” casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and cheese is melted.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
Cook chicken breasts gently in olive oil over medium heat to avoid drying them out; remove at 165°F internal temperature.
Make the cream sauce in the same pan after cooking chicken to capture fond and deepen flavor.
Toss pasta with sauce while both are warm to allow better absorption and creamier final texture.
Do not overbake; remove casserole when edges are bubbling and center is hot, about 20-25 minutes.
Substitutions
Chicken broth → white wine or half broth, half heavy cream (richer taste)
All-purpose flour → cornstarch, ¼ cup (similar thickening power, use slurry method)
Salted butter → unsalted butter + pinch of salt (flavor control)
Storage & make-ahead
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave until warmed through.
Common Questions
Can I make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Cook the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, or until no pink remains inside.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well; use the same weight (8 oz) and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Use vegetable broth, white wine, or half broth and half heavy cream for richer flavor.
How do I scale this recipe?
Double all ingredients for a larger casserole, but increase baking time by 10-15 minutes and check for doneness before serving.