There’s something about a rich, velvety dinner that just hits the spot, and this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is exactly that kind of comforting delight. It's the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—full of melty cheese, tender chicken, and just the right touch of spice.

A bowl filled with long spaghetti noodles mixed with a creamy sauce, small pieces of red tomato, and bits of green herbs scattered throughout. The noodles have a light golden color with a soft texture, and the sauce looks smooth and rich, coating each strand. On top, there are fresh green herb leaves as a garnish. A silver fork is picking up a twist of spaghetti from the bowl. The bowl itself is white with a subtle textured pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. 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 Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dinners because it’s so straightforward yet incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect blend of creamy sauce, roasted tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and tender chicken all tossed with spaghetti to create a cohesive, crowd-pleasing plate.

Simple Ingredients: Most are basics you likely already have, making it an easy weeknight staple.
Comfort Food Classic: The creamy, cheesy sauce really makes it feel like a treat without complicated steps.
Customizable: Whether you want it spicy, baked, or loaded with extra cheese, this recipe molds to your tastes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance, freezing, or batch cooking—it’s as convenient as it is tasty.

The image shows a pan full of creamy spaghetti, with a creamy orange sauce that coats the pasta evenly, with chunks of red tomatoes scattered throughout. The spaghetti is being lifted by a pair of tongs, revealing the long, thin noodles covered in the sauce, with small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top adding some color contrast. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there are two clear glasses and a wooden bowl with some herbs inside, creating a simple and clean setting. The overall look is warm and inviting, with soft lighting highlighting the texture of the noodles and sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in building layers of flavor and creating that irresistible creamy texture. Plus, I love that it combines pantry staples with just a few fresh elements. Here’s a quick look at what you'll need and why:

Flat lay of a small nest of uncooked spaghetti, a few garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a pat of golden butter on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl of bright green olive oil, a dusting mound of pale all-purpose flour on a white plate, a small white bowl filled with rich creamy heavy cream, a small white bowl containing vibrant fire roasted tomatoes with juices, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, two small piles of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on white ceramic plates, a pile of shredded rotisserie chicken with moist texture, and a few dried herb sprigs including parsley, basil, and oregano arranged neatly nearby, all placed 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: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the creamy sauce and chicken bits.
Olive oil & Butter: These fat sources add richness and help create a luscious roux base for the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses aromatics and depth—I always use a generous amount here.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce gently without lumps when cooked with butter.
Chicken broth: Adds savory umami and helps form the base of the sauce, giving it that comforting warmth.
Heavy cream: The secret to the ultra creamy texture; you can swap with evaporated milk plus a bit of cornstarch for a lighter version.
Fire roasted tomatoes: These bring a smoky edge and a pop of acidity to balance the richness perfectly.
Dried herbs and spices: Parsley, basil, oregano, onion powder, and a little red pepper flakes work together to boost flavor complexity.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds bold cheesy flavor that I love.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth while helping the sauce thicken and shine.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: So juicy and tender, it’s an easy shortcut to saving time without compromising taste.

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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

I often tweak this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. You can easily dial up the spice for a kick or swap cheeses to match what you love. It's a forgiving recipe that encourages personalization.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a meaty texture and earthy flavor. The family didn’t even notice the veggies—just said it tasted extra rich!

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

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfection

I always cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente—that means it still has a tiny bit of bite so it doesn’t get mushy later. Save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining because that starchy liquid can be a lifesaver if your sauce gets too thick.

Step 2: Build the Roux and Add Garlic

Melt the butter in olive oil over medium-low heat, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir like crazy for about two minutes until it turns a bit golden—this cooks out the raw flour taste and will help thicken your sauce perfectly. Toss in the minced garlic last and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.

Step 3: Slowly Whisk in Liquids and Tomatoes

Turn the heat down low and slowly whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream, fire roasted tomatoes with their juices, chicken bouillon, and all the dried herbs and spices. Next, crank the heat back to medium-high and bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. This part is crucial to avoid lumps and develop flavor. Let it simmer and thicken for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Melt In the Cheeses and Chicken

Turn the heat down low again and stir in your sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, then add Parmesan cheese until it’s nicely blended. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken and heat through. If it feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine and Season to Taste

Toss in your cooked spaghetti until every strand is coated with that dreamy sauce. Taste it once more and add extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want more zing—it always adds that little something special.

Top Tip

This recipe has saved my dinner on more than one busy evening, and a few lessons I learned can help you get it just right every time. Trust me—small details make all the difference!

Reserve Pasta Water: Always keep some pasta water. Its starchiness helps smooth out your sauce if it’s too thick or clumpy.
Simmer Slowly: Simmer the sauce on moderate heat and stir often to prevent scorching or lumps.
Use Sharp Cheddar: The sharpness boosts flavor and balances the creaminess perfectly—don’t skimp here!
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking it al dente at the start prevents mushiness later, especially if you plan to bake or reheat leftovers.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to top mine with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of dried parsley for color and a touch of herbal brightness. Sometimes a quick handful of chopped fresh basil works beautifully too, adding that fresh garden aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with something crunchy and fresh to cut through the richness, like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and garlic. Garlic bread isn’t a bad idea if you’re all about indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in a casserole dish topped with extra cheddar, then broiled it for a bubbly, golden crust. It turns a simple meal into a real showstopper for family gatherings without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken spaghetti stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. I always let it cool completely before sealing to keep the sauce creamy and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

For easy meal prep, I like freezing this dish unbaked in a casserole dish, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil. It freezes well for up to 3 months and reheats nicely without losing texture—as long as the pasta is cooked al dente first.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture, stirring frequently. If baked, covering the dish with foil while reheating in the oven helps keep it moist and melty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works best for holding the sauce, you can swap with penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushy results.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or oil, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce may be slightly different but still delicious!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire roasted tomatoes?

You can, but canned fire roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth that’s hard to replicate with fresh tomatoes alone. If using fresh, try roasting them yourself for a similar flavor before adding.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or toss in some chopped jalapeños while cooking the garlic. A dash of hot sauce stirred in towards the end also works well.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has such a special place in my recipe box because it’s easy to make but delivers that cozy, homemade comfort we all crave from time to time. I honestly think once you try it, you’ll find it popping up on your table again and again. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!