There’s just something so cozy about the way tender chicken, melty cheese, and spaghetti all come together in this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of comforting and satisfying, with just the right touch of creamy, garlicky goodness that makes weeknight dinners feel special.

A white bowl filled with creamy spaghetti pasta covered in a light orange sauce mixed with chunks of red tomatoes and green herbs scattered throughout. The pasta strands are tangled together with some lifting upward, held by a fork with a silver handle. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley and grated white cheese. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. 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’m telling you, this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has become one of my most requested dishes at home—there’s just no fuss, yet it delivers big on flavor and comfort. It’s ideal for when you want something that feels homemade but isn’t complicated at all.

Easy to Prepare: Just a few steps and simple ingredients come together for a creamy sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s a nostalgic dish that reminds me of family dinners, but with a fresh twist thanks to fire-roasted tomatoes.
Customizable: You can tweak the cheese, spice level, or chicken type to fit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

The image shows a white pan full of cooked spaghetti with a creamy orange sauce, mixed with chunks of red tomatoes and small green herb leaves sprinkled on top. A woman's hand holds tongs lifting a large bundle of the spaghetti from the pan, showing the texture of the noodles twisted together and coated in the sauce. The background has a white marbled surface with two clear water glasses and a small wooden bowl. The scene is bright and fresh, with the focus on the pasta layers and the mix of colors from the sauce, tomatoes, and herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe plays a role in creating that velvety texture and balanced flavor. I always recommend grabbing good quality chicken broth and sharp cheddar—it really makes a difference. Plus, fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smoky depth that you might not expect but will love.

Flat lay of a small bundle of uncooked spaghetti noodles, a few peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with a pat of creamy butter, a small white bowl filled with fine all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of rich chicken broth, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white bowl of vibrant fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, a small white bowl containing mixed dried herbs including parsley, basil, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, a small white bowl heaped with freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a neat pile of shredded rotisserie chicken, all arranged symmetrically 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: Cooked al dente to give a slight bite and hold the creamy sauce perfectly without turning mushy.
Olive Oil & Butter: Fat makes the sauce rich and helps cook the flour to form the perfect roux base.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic warmth and depth.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce for that luscious coating.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory flavor without overpowering, keeping the sauce light yet savory.
Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy texture, but you can also use evaporated milk plus cornstarch for a lighter version.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Gives a delightful smoky tang and acidity that balances the richness.
Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Oregano, etc.): Bring fresh and earthy notes that elevate the dish.
Chicken Bouillon: Enhances the chicken flavor without extra salt.
Cheddar & Parmesan Cheese: Sharpness and umami come together for that irresistible cheesy finish.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Super convenient and keeps the dish quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.

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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 love about this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or prefer. Whether you want to dial up the spice or make it a little lighter, there's room for your personal spin.

Variation: I sometimes swap rotisserie chicken for shredded leftover grilled chicken—it adds a smoky flavor that’s unexpected but wonderful.
Dairy-free: Using evaporated milk with cornstarch thickens the sauce nicely without cream, perfect if you’re avoiding dairy.
More Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost and texture.
Spice it Up: Don’t be shy with red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a kick that wakes up the dish.

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

Step 1: Cook Spaghetti Just Right

I always cook the spaghetti al dente according to the package instructions—just enough bite so it doesn’t get mushy later when it sits in the sauce. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a little trick I use to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Start the Roux with Butter, Oil, and Flour

In a large skillet, melt butter in olive oil over medium-low heat. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a slightly thick base for the sauce—think of it as the creamy magic foundation!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Slowly Whisk in Liquids

After the roux smells nutty, toss in minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds—too long and garlic can turn bitter. Then slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fire roasted tomatoes with their juices, and seasonings. Keep stirring while you turn the heat to medium-high to bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every now and then so nothing sticks or burns.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Add Chicken

Turn the heat back down to low and stir in your shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melty and smooth, followed by Parmesan. The sauce should be rich and glossy at this point. Next, fold in the shredded chicken and heat it all through gently—this keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Pasta, Adjust Consistency

Last step is mixing in the drained spaghetti. Use tongs or a large fork to toss until every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness. If you find the sauce too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time—it’s a great way to get the sauce just right without watering down flavor. Taste and add salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as you like.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few tips that really make a difference. These little details keep the sauce silky, the noodles perfect, and the flavors balanced every single time.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: It may sound simple, but overcooked pasta turns mushy quickly when mixed with the sauce or reheated, so timing here is key.
Reserve Pasta Water: This salted water is liquid gold for loosening thick sauces without diluting flavor.
Use Sharp Cheddar: The sharpness adds a nice contrast to the creaminess—don’t skimp on quality cheese.
Simmer the Sauce Gently: Bringing the sauce to a low simmer helps thicken without scorching and blends flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

creamy chicken spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing off this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley—it adds brightness and a little color pop. Sometimes, I’ll add a dash more red pepper flakes if we want a spicier kick.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with something crisp and green like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed roasted broccoli. For a heartier meal, garlic bread on the side is a total winner—you can never go wrong with garlic bread!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to transfer the creamy chicken spaghetti to a beautiful casserole dish, top it with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. It’s not only delicious but also looks impressive when serving guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I generally store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The creamy sauce thickens as it cools, so when I reheat, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up and keep it creamy.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe works great if you freeze it before baking in a casserole dish—just cool completely and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It holds up really well and makes a perfect ready-to-bake meal for busy nights.

Reheating

I find the stove works best for reheating leftovers gently, often with a little added cream or milk stirred in to bring back the creaminess. Microwaving works too—just do it in short bursts and stir between so it heats evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs by poaching or pan-searing, then shredded or chopped. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, evaporated milk mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch works well to thicken the sauce. You could also use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a different flavor profile.

Can I freeze the baked version of this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze baked Creamy Chicken Spaghetti, but it’s best to cool it completely and wrap tightly with plastic wrap before adding foil. Keep in mind reheating might slightly change the texture, so freezing before baking usually yields better results.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much as it simmers or cools, stir in reserved pasta water or a splash of milk a little bit at a time until you reach your desired consistency. It's the best way to loosen it without watering down flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is one of those meals I never grow tired of—it feels like a warm hug on a plate every time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, it comes together quickly and leaves everyone happy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because it really hits that sweet spot between simple and absolutely delicious.