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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

January 7, 2019 · 19 Comments

5 from 10 votes

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This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is quick and tasty! Only one pot and a handful of ingredients are needed for this delicious dinner.

Time for another simple chicken dinner recipe, this time a speedier, one-pot version of my very popular Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. If you don’t have time to make my Crockpot version of Chicken Spaghetti then this stovetop version will blow you away! It’s faster, uses a lot of the same ingredients and turns out just as creamy and delicious!

Chicken Spaghetti

What is Chicken Spaghetti?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this dish, it is traditionally a creamy and cheese baked pasta casserole filled with spaghetti, chicken, cream of mushroom soup, bell peppers, green chiles and a whole lot of cheddar cheese. Casseroles are great and typically taste amazing the longer they cook, but for this specific recipe, I almost prefer it right out of the pot because it’s at its peak of creamy and cheesy perfection. Plus, you don’t have to cook the entire recipe in the pot and then dirty a 9×13 dish just to bake it a little more with some extra cheese on top (though, there’s nothing wrong with doing it that way…I’m just impatient).

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This is a super easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe that only requires a few, easy to find, ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken and Spaghetti – The two main ingredients! Protein and carbs, the perfect combo.
  • Onion, Bell Peppers, and Green Chiles – Add some color and flavor to this dish!
  • Cheese – Have I mentioned that I love cheese? It’s one of my favorite food groups.
  • Garlic Powder, and Cumin – Don’t forget the spices! They are essential to boost this recipe to the next level.

If you’re not in the mood for a slightly spicy ride, try these other pasta recipes: Baked Rigatoni Pasta Recipe, Browned Butter Alfredo Pasta, Gluten Free Pasta with Spaghetti Meat Sauce or Broccoli Pesto Pasta.

Chicken Spaghetti

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set pasta aside. Replace hot pot to medium heat.
  2. Add in oil and swirl to spread across the bottom. Sprinkle chicken cutlets with salt and pepper and brown in oil until fully cooked. Remove from pot and set aside to rest.
  3. Saute onion and peppers until mostly tender. Stir in green chiles, alfredo sauce, and spices. Pour chicken broth into empty alfredo jar, replace the lid and shake. Pour contents into the pot.
  4. Cut browned chicken into bite-size pieces and add to the pot.
  5. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Toss in the spaghetti and grated cheddar cheese until pasta is fully coated in sauce. (As it sits, it will have a tendency to thicken, so as needed, add in little splashes of chicken broth or milk and stir to keep it at the consistency you want before serving.)
  6. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Can I Freeze Chicken Spaghetti?

Go for it! Make a ton and freeze it in portions in airtight containers. This should last up to three months in the freezer.

To reheat, thaw it completely, and then reheat the dish in the oven covered in foil. Covering with foil in the oven keeps the pasta moist. I know, moist… ew, but trust me… because pasta leftovers tend to dry out you could also try adding a couple of tablespoons of milk or chicken stock when reheating.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Leftovers

For leftovers, make sure to cover in an airtight container and refrigerate. Chicken Spaghetti should last for 3-5 days but I think it tastes best within the first two!

Side Dishes

Like any pasta dish, this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is great with breadsticks (like these: Craigo’s Breadsticks or Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks), or with a side salad (like these: Caprese Salad with Garlic Balsamic Dressing or Cucumber Salad Recipe).

The salads bring a nice fresh flavor and crunch to the creamy meal while the breadsticks are simply amazing carbs that compliment the Chicken Spaghetti.

More Spaghetti Recipes to Try!

  • Spaghetti and Meatballs
  • Garlic Chicken & Kale Spaghetti
  • Lemon Basil Spaghetti
  • Tex-Mex Chicken & White Cheddar Spaghetti
  • Spaghetti with Bacon, Brussels Sprouts and Artichokes

This recipe is a really filling and simple meal that every family member seems to love. Eddie snarfed his two helpings down just fine. Once we told our two older kids to get over the fact that they were just going to have to try bell peppers again ‘for us to really know that they didn’t like them’ they kind of forgot that they were in there and kept shoveling it in.

Overall, this is a recipe that we keep coming back to because of its versatility, ease, and ingredients list.

As per usual, below is the printable recipe.

Enjoy, friends! xo

5 from 10 votes
Print

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is quick and tasty! Only one pot and a handful of ingredients are needed for this delicious dinner.

Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian, Mexican
Keyword Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 728 kcal
Author Lauren Brennan

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 lb. chicken cutlets*
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 small can mild diced green chiles
  • 16.9 oz alfredo sauce Trader Joe's brand preferred (1 jar)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • a few splashes chicken broth or milk as needed
  • chopped cilantro optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set pasta aside. Replace hot pot to medium heat.
  2. Add in oil and swirl to spread across the bottom. Sprinkle chicken cutlets with salt and pepper and brown 2-3 minutes per side in oil until fully cooked. Remove from pot and set aside to rest.
  3. Saute onion and peppers 4-5 minutes or until mostly tender. Stir in green chiles, alfredo sauce, and spices. Pour chicken broth into empty alfredo jar, replace the lid and shake. Pour contents into the pot.
  4. Cut browned chicken into bite-size pieces and add to the pot.
  5. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Toss in the spaghetti and grated cheddar cheese until pasta is fully coated in sauce. (As it sits, it will have a tendency to thicken, so as needed, add in little splashes of chicken broth or milk and stir to keep it at the consistency you want before serving.)
  6. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Recipe Notes

*Chicken cutlets are chicken breasts sliced very thin. You are welcome to take regular chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to get the same effect. OR you can cut your raw chicken into bite size pieces before browning. I just find it easier to cut after they are fully cooked. Feel free to use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and forgo the whole browning process.

Nutrition Facts
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 728 Calories from Fat 297
% Daily Value*
Fat 33g51%
Saturated Fat 15g94%
Cholesterol 140mg47%
Sodium 1087mg47%
Potassium 621mg18%
Carbohydrates 64g21%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 38g76%
Vitamin A 820IU16%
Vitamin C 32.7mg40%
Calcium 311mg31%
Iron 2.2mg12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Filed Under: Chicken, Dinners, Italian, Mexican, Pasta, Recipes & Food

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sam Anderson says

    March 21, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    5 stars
    This was superb! I cut recipe in half since it’s only myself and my wife. I added 3 cloves minced garlic, turmeric, and some basil and marjoram too.
    I’ll fix this again soon, guaranteed!!

    Reply
  2. Katherine Heller Hamm says

    March 30, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    5 stars
    Just made this cheesy chicken spaghetti for the first time and it was devoured by my entire family, including my 2 and 4 year olds! I would have never thought to throw those ingredients together with pasta, but man is it delish and so different from any other pasta dishes I make! We also have a newborn so bouns points for the easy prep and gigantic yield so that it’s basically enough for dinner for two nights for our family. This recipe will definitely be making it into our regular rotation 😋

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      April 3, 2018 at 6:06 am

      That is awesome!! Also, how are you surviving three kids two years apart? I can’t even imagine!!

      Reply
  3. Trudy says

    April 11, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    5 stars
    Chose to just make the sauce and served it over rice. Yummmm.

    Reply
  4. Shannon Randolph says

    June 19, 2018 at 9:30 am

    5 stars
    This is one of my husband’s FAVORITE dinners – he requests it almost weekly! Keep these coming! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Lizzy says

    June 20, 2018 at 10:38 am

    This recipe is on my mind every week. Soon, I’m going to remember to pick up the ingredients and make it!

    Reply
  6. April Collett says

    September 16, 2018 at 4:26 am

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
  7. Diana Lindsay says

    September 16, 2018 at 7:07 am

    5 stars
    We loved this dish it has such a good combination of flavors, will be making this dish again. Love your family blog, my husband has business meetings once a year in NYC we love the city but your blog has made our trip completely different. Thank you for sharing your families story, love trying new restaurants, visiting new places and the best one is I now understand when I see kids on their little scooters on the sidewalks always thought what in the world are those parents thinking but now my thoughts are what a great way to get some energy out. Thanks again Lauren!

    Reply
  8. Michelle Kochel says

    September 16, 2018 at 8:13 am

    5 stars
    I have made this a couple of times to very good reviews from my husband!

    Reply
  9. Nicole says

    August 18, 2019 at 8:11 am

    5 stars
    This had such a depth of flavor or whatever you’d call it! So rich and even reheated well with some cream stirred in. Definitely going to put on our family meal rotation!!

    Reply
  10. Heather says

    October 22, 2019 at 7:05 pm

    I Made this recipe recently for my kids ages 8, 6, and 2 year old quadruplets and it was a huge hit!!! Definitely making again!

    Reply
  11. Kristen Kreuziger says

    October 22, 2019 at 7:31 pm

    5 stars
    One of my favorites!

    Reply
  12. Laura Waters says

    October 22, 2019 at 7:48 pm

    This was the recipe that led me to your blog! My family loves this chicken spaghetti!

    Reply
  13. Catherine Wevodau says

    October 23, 2019 at 1:21 am

    5 stars
    THis recipe is amazing. EVEryone loved it. Thank you

    Reply
  14. Shea says

    October 23, 2019 at 3:25 am

    Chicken spaghetti is one of my favs! I’m going to have to try this recipe. It looks yummy! ❤️

    Reply
  15. Jenny Wagner says

    October 23, 2019 at 8:26 am

    Oh my goodness!! Making this tonight!!

    Reply

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