There’s something truly comforting about a luscious pasta dish that wraps you in creamy goodness—and this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe does exactly that. Its rich sauce and tender chicken blend perfectly with spaghetti for a meal that's both hearty and delightfully satisfying.

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

I’ve made this creamy chicken spaghetti more times than I can count, and every time it hits the spot like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy, garlicky, and cozy, making it a family favorite and a weeknight staple around here.

Simple to Whip Up: The ingredients are easy to find and the steps straightforward, even if you're new to making creamy pasta dishes.
Versatile Comfort Food: Whether dinner for two or a crowd, this recipe scales well and feels special every time.
Deliciously Creamy Sauce: The blend of cheeses and roasted tomatoes creates a rich, flavorful sauce that isn’t too heavy.
Customizable and Flexible: You can swap in different cheeses, use leftover chicken, or make it spicier without losing that creamy magic.

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

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe plays a key role, coming together to build layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend using quality cheese and perfectly cooked spaghetti to get the best cheesy pull with every bite.

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: Cook it al dente so it has just the right bite and doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the creamy sauce.
Olive oil and butter: The combo helps build flavor and create a silky roux base for the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic warmth and depth; be careful not to let it burn as it cooks.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce perfectly without lumps if you whisk well into the butter and oil.
Chicken broth: Using low sodium lets you control the saltiness in the sauce.
Heavy cream: It gives the sauce rich creaminess, but you can substitute evaporated milk with cornstarch for a lighter version.
Fire roasted tomatoes: They add subtle smokiness and tang, balancing the creamy cheese beautifully.
Herbs and spices: Parsley, basil, oregano, onion powder, and red pepper flakes create that perfect Italian-inspired flavor profile.
Cheddar and Parmesan cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce bite and gooeyness, while Parmesan melts in with a nutty finish.
Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds tender, juicy protein throughout.

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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 the things I adore about this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you prefer it extra cheesy, with a smoky twist, or adding veggies for a pop of color, there’s plenty of room for personalization.

Variation: I often swap sharp cheddar for smoked Gouda or pepper jack when I want a smoky or spicy kick—turns out fantastic every time!
Make it veggie-friendly: Throw in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to sneak in some greens and add freshness.
Spice it up: A pinch more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce brings welcome warmth without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Protein switch up: If I’m out of rotisserie chicken, shredded cooked turkey or even canned chicken work just as well in a pinch.

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

Step 1: Cook Spaghetti Just Right

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to package directions but pull it out slightly firm—al dente is key. This prevents sogginess later. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of the pasta water and set it aside; this magical liquid will help you adjust sauce consistency later!

Step 2: Build a Flavor-Packed Roux

Heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes; you want it smooth and golden without browning. Then add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, releasing that gorgeous aroma without letting it burn.

Step 3: Whisk In Liquids & Seasonings

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking to keep everything lump-free. Add the fire roasted tomatoes with their juices, chicken bouillon, and all your dried herbs and spices. Crank the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring here and there, until it thickens up nicely—about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

Turn the heat back down to low and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Follow with Parmesan cheese, which adds a perfect nutty finish. This step is when the sauce turns irresistibly creamy and cheesy.

Step 5: Add Chicken & Combine Everything

Toss in the shredded rotisserie chicken and stir just until warmed through—no need to cook it further, since it’s already cooked. Now add your cooked spaghetti, mixing well to coat every strand in that silky sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water little by little to loosen it until you get your ideal consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch more red pepper flakes for kick.

Top Tip

From my many tries making this creamy chicken spaghetti, a few little adjustments made such a big difference. Let me share the best tips I’ve picked up to guarantee your dinner rocks every time.

Al Dente Pasta: Cooking the spaghetti just short of fully done ensures it won’t turn mushy after mixing in the sauce.
Slow Flour Cooking: Don’t rush the roux—it needs those 2 minutes to cook off that raw flour taste and thicken perfectly.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon for smoothing out the sauce if it feels too thick or clumpy.
Cheese Timing: Add your cheeses off the heat or on low so they melt without clumping or separating.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley—it adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I throw on a few red pepper flakes for a little zing, especially if serving for adults.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, I usually serve this with a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are another favorite side, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve baked this creamy chicken spaghetti in a casserole dish topped with extra cheddar for a golden-bubbly crust—everyone loves the cozy, homemade vibe it gives. You can even twirl it into individual portions on plates for a touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. To keep the sauce creamy when reheating, I add a small splash of milk or cream while warming in a skillet or microwave.

Freezing

Freezing works great with this recipe! I prefer freezing the unbaked chicken spaghetti in a freezer-safe dish, wrapped well with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. It keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating frozen portions, I thaw them overnight in the fridge then bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, adding an extra 10 minutes of baking time if needed. If reheating individual servings, gentle stove warming with a splash of cream keeps it deliciously creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this creamy chicken spaghetti recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, feel free to use penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to adjust cooking times and drain al dente for best results.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or dairy-free?

Yes, to lighten it up, you can swap heavy cream for evaporated milk mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch to keep creaminess. For dairy-free, try coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, but expect a slight flavor difference.

How long does this creamy chicken spaghetti keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers last about 2-3 days in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh but reheats well with a little added liquid to keep the sauce from drying out.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! If you’re using fresh chicken, cook and shred it before adding it in. Grilled or poached chicken breasts work beautifully and bring fresh flavor to the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has been my go-to feel-good dinner for busy nights and special occasions alike. It’s comforting, delicious, and forgiving if you tweak it to your taste. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll have a dish that feels like a warm kitchen hug waiting for you whenever you need one.