Nothing beats a comforting, cheesy dinner bubbling with warmth and flavor—that’s exactly why this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has found a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation. With tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and just the right kick of spices, it feels like a big, cozy hug from your favorite meal.

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

When I first made this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, I didn’t expect it to become such a staple. It’s not only incredibly easy but also flexes to fit whatever you have in your fridge. A real crowd-pleaser, it’s rich, cheesy, and full of familiar flavors that make everyone smile.

Super creamy and cheesy: The blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates an irresistibly rich sauce.
Fast and simple: Ready in about 20 minutes, so it works even on busy nights.
Uses rotisserie chicken: Cuts prep time dramatically and adds fantastic flavor.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the spices or bake it for an extra cheesy topping.

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 balances pantry staples and fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The chicken and cheese provide the heartiness, while herbs and spices brighten the dish. Quick tip: get good-quality fire roasted tomatoes—they add amazing depth.

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: Use al dente pasta so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
Olive oil and butter: This combo adds richness and helps cook the roux perfectly.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that's not overpowering.
All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening that velvety, creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light yet flavorful; low sodium lets you control saltiness.
Heavy cream: Adds indulgent creaminess; you can substitute with evaporated milk and cornstarch if needed.
Fire roasted tomatoes: Adds smoky sweetness and a little tangy contrast.
Herbs and spices: Having parsley, basil, oregano, onion powder, and red pepper flakes gives the dish depth and a subtle heat.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show for that gooey, melty cheese factor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note that rounds out the cheeses.
Rotisserie chicken: So convenient, already cooked and packed with flavor, making this recipe a breeze.

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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 love making this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with a little twist depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s definitely a flexible formula — once you get comfortable, you can adapt it to suit your own flavor cravings or dietary needs.

Variation: I often swap the sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier feel—totally delicious.
Spice it up: If you’re in the mood for a kick, adding a dash more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce never disappoints.
Make it lighter: Using evaporated milk with cornstarch instead of heavy cream keeps it creamy but cuts some fat.
Go veggie: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach stirred in add color and nutrients without losing that comforting vibe.

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti to Perfect Al Dente

Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water following the package instructions, but stop just before it’s fully soft—al dente texture is key so it won’t get mushy once mixed in the sauce. I always save half a cup of the pasta water before draining since it helps loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Build the Roux and Garlic Base

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter in olive oil, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir it constantly for about 2 minutes; you’re aiming for a thick paste without browning it too much. Then toss in your minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds until aromatic—don’t let it burn!

Step 3: Whisk in Liquids and Seasonings

Turn the heat down and slowly whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream, and finally add the fire roasted tomatoes with their juices. Add the chicken bouillon and all your dried herbs and spices. Bring it up to a gentle simmer on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened to a luscious sauce.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses and Chicken

Drop the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until it melts smoothly, then do the same with Parmesan. Finally, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and let it heat through. This way, the chicken stays juicy and infuses the sauce with savory goodness.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta & Adjust Consistency

Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet and gently toss it with the sauce until every strand is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. If it looks too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you get your ideal creaminess. Taste and add any extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as you like.

Top Tip

After making this creamy chicken spaghetti countless times, I’ve realized a few key tips that make all the difference between good and amazing.

Perfect roux thickness: Don’t rush the flour and butter step—cooking that paste just right is what sets the silky base for your sauce.
Reserve pasta water: That starchy water is like gold—it helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles without watering it down.
Choose your cheeses wisely: Sharp cheddar brings flavor punch, but don’t underestimate Parmesan’s nutty depth—both together are magic.
Don’t overcook the pasta: A little bite (al dente) holds up well and keeps the final dish from turning mushy, especially if you reheat leftovers.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or roasted green beans for some freshness. For heartier meals, warm garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad on the side rounds it out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I love transferring the creamy chicken spaghetti into a baking dish, topping it with extra cheddar, and baking until bubbly and golden on top. It turns into a gorgeous casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the pasta from sticking together, stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating—this helps bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing the unbaked combination in a casserole dish works best for me. After assembling, I let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It freezes well up to three months and thaws gently overnight when ready to bake.

Reheating

For leftovers, I prefer reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring regularly to restore creaminess and avoid drying out. If baked, a quick microwave zap or oven reheat with foil works wonders without toughening the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

While canned chicken can work in a pinch, rotisserie chicken offers much better flavor and texture for this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. If you use canned, drain it well and consider adding extra seasoning to boost taste.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, swap butter for olive oil, replace cheeses with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use coconut or almond milk in place of heavy cream. Thickening with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry works well, too.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking or reheating on the stove. Just be sure the pasta is cooked al dente, and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is key for that classic flavor and melty texture, while Parmesan adds a lovely nutty finish. Mixing the two is my favorite combination, but feel free to experiment with smoked or mild cheeses to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals. It hits all the right notes—quick to make, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. I’m excited for you to try it because I truly think you’ll love having this warm, cheesy dish ready for any occasion. There’s something special about gathering around a skillet full of this creamy goodness that just feels like home.