If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish, this Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect meal to satisfy your taste buds. Loaded with tender chicken, a rich and velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and heartiness, making it great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Creamy, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

This dish is all about the cheese! A luscious blend of melted cheeses coats every strand of spaghetti, creating a smooth, creamy texture in every bite. Combined with juicy pieces of seasoned chicken and a hint of spices, this spaghetti dish offers a delicious depth of flavor that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients for Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

To make this rich and creamy dish, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, cheesiness, and savory goodness.

Spaghetti – The base of the dish, cooked to al dente for the perfect texture.
Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy bites throughout the pasta.
Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds bold, cheesy flavor that blends beautifully into the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese – For a melty, stretchy cheese pull in every bite.
Cream Cheese – Adds an ultra-creamy texture and slight tang to balance the richness.
Heavy Cream – Ensures a silky-smooth and decadent sauce.
Chicken Broth – Enhances the savory depth of the sauce while keeping it from becoming too thick.
Garlic – Minced garlic brings a warm, aromatic kick.
Butter – Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic, adding richness to the dish.
Paprika – Adds a mild smokiness and warmth to the flavor profile.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Parsley (for garnish) – A fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Making this cheesy chicken spaghetti is a straightforward process, but the result is absolutely irresistible. Follow these steps to bring this creamy, cheesy delight to life.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Slowly add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Add the cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat every strand in the creamy cheese sauce. Let everything simmer for a minute to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the cheesy chicken spaghetti to serving plates or a large dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra handful of shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

How Long to Bake Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

While this dish is delicious straight from the stovetop, you can take it to the next level by baking it for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Here’s how long you should bake it for the perfect cheesy, golden finish:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the prepared spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the top for an extra cheesy crust.
Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Baking allows the flavors to meld together even more, creating a thick, gooey, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family meals.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this cheesy chicken spaghetti stores and reheats beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Freezer – This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container and wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Want to make this dish even better? Here are some expert tips to ensure a flawless result every time:

Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Shred cheese from a block for the best creamy consistency.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water, chicken broth, or heavy cream to loosen it.
Add a crunchy topping – Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or fried onions on top before baking for a crispy finish.
Try different cheeses – Mix in parmesan, gouda, or Colby jack for a unique twist on the flavor.
Spice it up – If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce come together for a comforting meal that’s great for busy weeknights or special occasions. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken – In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the cheese sauce – In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring until fully melted.
Add the cheese – Slowly mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or extra broth to loosen it.
Combine everything – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Add the cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat every strand in the creamy cheese sauce.
Bake (optional) – Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve and enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes