Chicken Spaghetti Creamy Cheese

This hearty chicken spaghetti has become my family's go-to comfort dish for weeknight dinners when we need something satisfying that brings everyone to the table. The creamy three-cheese sauce blends perfectly with tender chicken and just enough kick from the Rotel tomatoes to keep things interesting.

I first created this recipe when trying to elevate our standard pasta night, and it quickly became the most requested dinner in our household. My children, who normally pick around tomatoes, devour this without complaint.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: perfect for absorbing flavors while staying tender
• Italian seasoning: creates an aromatic base that elevates the entire dish
• Butter: forms the foundation of our roux for a silky smooth sauce
• Yellow onion and garlic: provide essential aromatics that build flavor depth
• All purpose flour: thickens our sauce to the perfect consistency
• Chicken broth: adds richness while thinning the sauce to the perfect texture
• Milk: creates creaminess without making the dish too heavy
• Cream cheese: delivers velvety texture and tangy flavor that balances the dish
• Cheddar cheese: brings sharp flavor that stands up to the tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes and green chilies: add brightness and gentle heat
• Thin spaghetti: works best as it absorbs sauce without becoming gummy
• Mozzarella cheese: creates that irresistible golden brown topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Chicken:

Season and slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. A light dusting of Italian seasoning creates a foundation of flavor that will carry through the entire dish. Sear in olive oil until golden brown on each side which develops deep flavor compounds that elevate the entire dish. Let rest before dicing to keep the juices locked inside.

Create The Flavor Base:

Melt butter in the same pan where you cooked the chicken to capture all those delicious browned bits. These caramelized proteins are culinary gold and will add tremendous depth to your sauce. Sauté the onions slowly until they become translucent and slightly golden which converts their sharp flavor into sweet aromatic notes. Add garlic only after onions have softened to prevent burning which would introduce bitterness.

Build The Perfect Sauce:

Create a roux by sprinkling flour over the sautéed vegetables and cooking until the raw flour smell disappears. This crucial step prevents a pasty flavor in your final sauce. Add liquids gradually while whisking constantly to ensure absolute smoothness without lumps. The combination of chicken broth and milk creates the perfect balance of richness and lightness. Let the sauce simmer to thicken slightly before adding your cheeses.

Combine And Bake:

Fold in the cooked pasta gently to prevent breaking the strands. The key is incorporating everything evenly so each bite contains the perfect balance of ingredients. Top with a generous layer of mozzarella which will create a beautiful golden crust in the oven. Baking melds all the flavors together while creating textural contrast between the creamy interior and slightly crisp top.

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The cream cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance accidentally when I was out of heavy cream one evening. The slight tanginess it brings cuts through the richness of the other cheeses and creates the most velvety texture that coats each strand of spaghetti perfectly.

Storage Solutions

This chicken spaghetti maintains its quality beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight as the ingredients have time to meld together. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy consistency that may thicken during storage. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until the center reaches 165°F, removing the foil for the last few minutes to restore some of that delicious top texture.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a time-saving alternative to cooking chicken breasts from scratch. For a lighter version, swap the cream cheese for Neufchâtel cheese which has one-third less fat but maintains a similar texture and flavor profile. The pasta can be easily substituted with any medium-shaped pasta like penne or rotini which hold the sauce beautifully in their ridges and crevices. For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free pasta works perfectly, though you may need to slightly undercook it before baking to prevent mushiness.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil cuts through the creaminess and adds freshness to the plate. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus not only add color but provide textural contrast that makes the meal more satisfying. For a complete comfort food experience, serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce. When entertaining, portion into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation that delights guests.

Common Queries

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Leftover or pre-cooked chicken can be easily substituted. Just dice and stir it in with the sauce and pasta.

→ What cheeses work best in this dish?

A blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella brings both creaminess and good melting texture.

→ How can I make the sauce smoother?

Let the cream cheese soften before adding, and whisk steadily as you add broth and milk for a silky finish.

→ Can this be prepared ahead?

Yes, assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

→ Is it possible to add vegetables?

Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach blend in well and add color and nutrition to the dish.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.