Imagine diving into a plate of warm, cheesy comfort with just the right balance of tangy tomatoes and tender chicken—this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is exactly that kind of soul-hugging meal. It’s simple to make but tastes like you spent all afternoon on it, perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without stress.

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

Honestly, I keep coming back to this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe because it nails that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory with a subtle kick of spice. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company—plus, everyone’s always asking me for the recipe!

Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy sauce coats every strand of spaghetti, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: It’s on the table in about 20 minutes, which can be a game-changer for dinner on busy evenings.
Versatile Ingredients: Using rotisserie chicken and pantry staples means you’re never far from making this happen.
Customizable: You can swap cheeses, spice it up, or even bake it for an extra cheesy finish—your call!

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

This recipe mixes creamy and tangy components with perfectly cooked chicken and spaghetti, creating layers of flavor and texture. By choosing quality ingredients and balancing spices, you’ll get a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

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: Classic pasta that holds sauce beautifully; cook it al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed.
Olive Oil & Butter: A combo that adds richness and helps build the roux for the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a fragrant base—don’t skip it, as it lifts the whole dish.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce nicely without clumping when cooked properly.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth; low sodium lets you control the seasoning better.
Heavy Cream (or evaporated milk + cornstarch): Creates that smooth, luscious texture that makes this spaghetti uniquely creamy.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Juices: Adds smoky tang and a fresh burst of tomato flavor—makes the sauce more vibrant.
Dried Herbs and Spices: Parsley, basil, oregano, onion powder, pepper, red pepper flakes—these create balance, warmth, and a touch of heat.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the cheese combo, giving bold flavor and creamy melt.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the cheddar without overpowering.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and infuses the dish with tender, flavorful protein.

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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 adapt. I often switch out the cheeses or toss in veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. And sometimes, I bake it for that bubbly, golden top when I’m hosting.

Variation: For a lighter version, I swap heavy cream with evaporated milk plus a little cornstarch to keep that silky texture without all the richness.
Spice it Up: Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot paprika gives the sauce a pleasant kick that wakes up the flavors.
Vegetable Boost: Peas or sautéed mushrooms sneak in extra nutrition and color without dulling the cozy vibe.
Baked Option: When I bake it with extra cheddar on top, it gets this addictively melty crust that everyone fights over.

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Just Right

I always cook the spaghetti al dente according to package directions. This keeps it from turning mushy after mixing with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before you drain; that starchy water is magic for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

Heat the olive oil and butter together over medium-low until melted. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes so the mixture thickens and cooks off the raw taste. Then, toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds—it’ll fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Whisk in Liquids and Seasonings

Lower the heat and slowly whisk in chicken broth first, then heavy cream, followed by the fire roasted tomatoes with their juices. Stir in all the dried herbs, chicken bouillon, and spices. Turn the heat up to medium-high and keep stirring while the sauce simmers and thickens—this should take about 5–7 minutes. Patience here rewards you with velvety sauce!

Step 4: Add Cheeses and Chicken

Turn heat to low and stir in sharp cheddar cheese until silky smooth, then melt in Parmesan cheese. After the cheeses are perfectly blended, fold in shredded rotisserie chicken just to warm it through.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach that perfect creamy consistency. Give it a taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra red pepper flakes for a bit more heat, if you want.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small tricks really elevate this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Perfect Al Dente Pasta: Don’t overcook the spaghetti. It should still have a slight bite because it’s going to absorb some sauce and cook a bit more as you mix.
Roux Patience: Stirring the flour in the butter and oil for a full two minutes cooks out the raw flour taste for a creamier, smoother sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is your fail-safe to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
Don’t Rush Melting Cheese: Lower the heat before adding cheese to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The Parmesan adds an extra flavor punch and a little salty crunch, while parsley brings brightness and color that makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple to let the pasta shine—my go-to is a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli for some freshness and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For guests, I’ve transferred this recipe to a baking dish, piled on an extra cup of cheddar, baked until bubbly and golden, and served it straight from the oven. Pair it with garlic breadsticks, and you’ve got an impressive, cozy feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the pasta from drying out, I add a splash of milk or cream when reheating, which helps bring back that silky sauce texture.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully for this recipe! I recommend freezing the unbaked pasta mixture in a freezer-safe dish wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. It freezes well for up to three months.

Reheating

When it’s time to eat, I either thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered with foil, or bake it from frozen with extra time, making sure to remove plastic wrap first! This keeps it moist and creamy rather than dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the rotisserie chicken with fresh chicken?

Absolutely! You can poach or bake chicken breasts and shred them yourself. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through and shredded into bite-sized pieces so it blends well in the creamy sauce.

What’s the best way to keep the spaghetti from getting soggy?

Cooking the spaghetti al dente and rinsing it in cold water right after draining helps prevent overcooking. Also, mixing the pasta into the sauce just before serving keeps it from sitting too long and getting mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make it dairy-free, try substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. For vegan, swap chicken for seasoned tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor profile will change, but it still makes a delicious meal!

Is it better to bake the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti or serve it straight from the skillet?

Both are fantastic! Serving it straight from the skillet is quicker and creamier, while baking adds a lovely cheesy crust and slightly thicker texture. I usually do skillet for weeknights and bake it for guests or when I want something extra special.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward but packed with flavor and so comforting it’s hard not to smile while eating. I’m excited for you to make it and find your own favorite twists—trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep in your recipe box forever.