This Easy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting dish that’s quick to make. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and spaghetti, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
You know it’s a winner when my family gobbles it up faster than I can serve! 😂 I love that I can whip it up in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works great, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as well. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary.
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its quick cooking time. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred it and add it in!
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring a lot of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead — about 1 teaspoon each should do.
Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add creaminess without many extra steps. If these don’t fit your dietary needs, you can try using a homemade white sauce or a plant-based cream soup.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you want something a bit lighter. It gives a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Chicken Without Drying It Out?
Cooking the chicken perfectly is crucial for this dish! Here are some tips to keep it juicy:
- Always preheat your skillet before adding chicken. This helps to sear the meat quickly, locking in moisture.
- Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking; aim for bite-sized chunks.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If your skillet is too full, the chicken will steam instead of sear.
- Keep the heat at medium and cook until no longer pink; using a meat thermometer can ensure it’s cooked to 165°F (75°C).
Easy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti takes about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and veggies, then about 20 minutes for the entire dish to come together for a delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside for later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This will add a wonderful flavor to your sauce!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and paprika (if you’re using it). Mix everything well until it’s combined and heated through.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Then, toss in the drained spaghetti. Gently stir everything together, making sure the pasta and chicken are coated with that creamy sauce.
6. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and nicely mixed throughout the dish. Yum!
7. Optional Baking Step:
If you want a bubbly, cheesy top, you can transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle some extra cheese on top, and broil it for about 2-3 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your creamy chicken spaghetti with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal while it’s warm!
FAQ
Can I Substitute the Cream of Soups?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use canned soups, you can make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken or vegetable broth. Just add some seasonings to get that creamy flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
You can lighten this dish by using low-fat sour cream and cheese or substituting Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Reducing the amount of cheese will also help cut down on calories!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Just add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can sauté some bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli along with the onions and garlic for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so that the veggies are tender!
