Name: Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4-6 garlic cloves minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk mixed with 1 teaspoon cornstarch); 1 15 oz. can fire roasted tomatoes with juices; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (or more to taste); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded Rotisserie chicken

There’s something really comforting about a rich, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe brings together tender chicken, melty cheese, and a luscious sauce that’s so easy to whip up, you’ll want to make it again and again.

A white bowl filled with creamy spaghetti pasta covered in a light orange sauce mixed with chunks of red tomatoes and green herbs scattered throughout. The pasta strands are tangled together with some lifting upward, held by a fork with a silver handle. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley and grated white cheese. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish ticks all the boxes for me: creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors that feel both homey and a little bit special. I love how it’s simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress friends or family without stirring up stress.

Super creamy texture: Thanks to the combo of heavy cream and cheeses, each bite is silky smooth and satisfying.
Effortless one-pan sauce: You build the sauce right in the skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap cheeses, add veggies, or spice it up your way.
Comfort food at its best: It’s perfect for cozy nights and makes great leftovers.

The image shows a white pan full of cooked spaghetti with a creamy orange sauce, mixed with chunks of red tomatoes and small green herb leaves sprinkled on top. A woman's hand holds tongs lifting a large bundle of the spaghetti from the pan, showing the texture of the noodles twisted together and coated in the sauce. The background has a white marbled surface with two clear water glasses and a small wooden bowl. The scene is bright and fresh, with the focus on the pasta layers and the mix of colors from the sauce, tomatoes, and herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this creamy chicken spaghetti really comes alive thanks to the balance of creamy, savory, and just a little zesty. Each ingredient has a purpose that enhances the dish without overwhelming it. Here’s a quick peek at what goes in and why it’s worth hunting down quality versions for your pantry.

Flat lay of a small bundle of uncooked spaghetti noodles, a few peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with a pat of creamy butter, a small white bowl filled with fine all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of rich chicken broth, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white bowl of vibrant fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, a small white bowl containing mixed dried herbs including parsley, basil, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, a small white bowl heaped with freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a neat pile of shredded rotisserie chicken, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spaghetti: Classic long pasta holds onto the silky sauce well and gives you that hearty carb base.
Olive oil and butter: The combo gives richness and a lovely cooking base flavor without being greasy.
Garlic: Always my go-to for depth and that irresistible aromatic punch.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every strand of pasta.
Chicken broth: Adds savory complexity and keeps things moist but not heavy.
Heavy cream: The secret to making the sauce dreamy and luscious, but evaporated milk can do in a pinch.
Fire roasted tomatoes: Provides brightness and a subtle smoky hint that balances the creaminess.
Dried herbs and bouillon: They layer in comforting, familiar flavors that bring everything to life.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully with just the right tang and bite.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and salty depth to round out the flavor.
Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and keeps the meat tender and flavorful.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve played around with adding mushrooms, swapping sharp cheddar for pepper jack for a little heat, and even tossing in some spinach for color and nutrition.

Vegetable boost: I once added sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers, which gave a nice earthy contrast and a splash of color.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives it a warming kick that I adore on chilly nights.
Dairy-free alternative: Try swapping the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan cheese for a dairy-free version that stays creamy.
Make it baked: For extra cheesy goodness, bake the whole casserole with an extra layer of cheddar on top - it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfection

I always start by cooking the spaghetti until it’s al dente—firm but not hard—because you don’t want mushy noodles in the final dish. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Aromatics

Over medium-low heat, I melt the butter with olive oil, then whisk in the flour. This creates a roux that’s the base for our creamy sauce. It thickens while you gently cook it for a couple of minutes—just be sure to keep stirring so it doesn’t stick or burn. Toss in minced garlic last and stir for 30 seconds to release that amazing flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Then add the fire roasted tomatoes with their juices, chicken bouillon, and all your dried herbs and spices. Bring it up to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring often, and let it thicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon beautifully.

Step 4: Cheese, Chicken, and Combine

Once the sauce is thick and luscious, I turn the heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Stir in your shredded rotisserie chicken to warm through, then fold in the pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get the perfect creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want a little extra zing.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe to the next level—little things that help you get that perfect texture and flavor every time.

Al dente is key: Cooking your spaghetti just right ensures it holds up to the creamy sauce without turning mushy in leftovers.
Patience with the roux: Don’t rush the flour and fat mixture; cooking it gently prevents a raw flour taste and leads to a smooth sauce.
Reserve pasta water: That starchy water helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick, making your pasta glossy and perfectly coated.
Fresh cheese grating: I highly recommend using freshly grated cheddar and Parmesan for maximum flavor and meltability—pre-shredded just doesn’t compare.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

creamy chicken spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of dried or fresh parsley for a bright pop of color. Sometimes I throw on some chopped green onions, which add a subtle crunch that pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but if I want to round out the meal, I usually add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli for a bit of texture contrast. Garlic bread is always a winner too for soaking up leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the spaghetti in a casserole dish topped with an extra handful of cheddar cheese to get that beautiful golden crust. It’s great for potlucks or Sunday dinners when you want something that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the flavors seem to deepen overnight. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy rather than drying out.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing the unbaked chicken spaghetti in a casserole dish wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and it tastes just as comforting as fresh.

Reheating

Reheating on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream works best to revive leftovers without drying them out. You can also reheat in the oven, covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through (roughly 20 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can use penne, rotini, or even fettuccine—just make sure to adjust cooking times to keep the pasta al dente.

Is rotisserie chicken the best choice?

Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and saves time, but you can also use cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs you’ve prepared yourself.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Note the flavor and texture will change slightly but will still be delicious.

How do I avoid a too-thick or too-thin sauce?

Start with the recommended flour and broth ratio and add pasta water gradually to loosen. If the sauce is too thin, simmer gently to thicken before adding cheese. Patience here makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has become my go-to when I want something cozy, satisfying, and quick. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients coming together perfectly. Give it a try—you might just find your own new favorite comfort meal!