Nothing beats a cozy, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and ease—a real weeknight hero. That’s why I love sharing this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with you; it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and just the right hint of spice. You’ll soon see why it’s a go-to dinner for many.

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 can’t get enough of this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe! It’s the perfect mix of cheesy comfort and lively flavors, plus it comes together so quickly. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but isn’t a hassle—ideal for weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Speedy yet satisfying: Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Rich, creamy sauce: Buttery, garlicky, and enhanced with cheeses that melt beautifully.
Flexible ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples and rotisserie chicken to cut prep time.
Family favorite: Both kids and adults keep asking for seconds!

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 Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that balance each other wonderfully. From the sharp cheddar’s tang to the fire-roasted tomatoes’ smoky sweetness, each element plays a part in creating that luscious texture and satisfying flavor.

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 to keep the dish from getting mushy, plus it holds the sauce nicely.
Olive oil & butter: The combo adds richness and helps build the roux for the creamy sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings vibrant aroma and depth.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly without any lumps.
Chicken broth: Low sodium keeps the flavor controlled and lets the other seasonings shine.
Heavy cream: For luscious creaminess, or evaporated milk with cornstarch as a lighter substitute.
Fire roasted tomatoes: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet punch to the sauce.
Dried herbs & spices: Parsley, basil, oregano, onion powder, and a touch of red pepper flakes create a balanced, herby flavor profile.
Cheddar & Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key for smooth melting and rich taste.
Rotisserie chicken: Saves time and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

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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 tweaking this creamy chicken spaghetti to suit whatever’s in my fridge or what my family feels like—this recipe is a fantastic canvas. Feel free to swap cheeses, toss in veggies, or spice things up depending on your mood.

Variation: One time, I stirred in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra nutrients and earthiness—it turned out amazing and even my picky eaters didn’t notice!
Dairy swap: I’ve also used evaporated milk plus a bit of cornstarch for a lighter sauce that’s still decadently creamy.
Spice it up: If you like heat, adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can take it to the next level.

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

Step 1: Cook spaghetti perfectly

First, boil your spaghetti according to package instructions, aiming for al dente—firm to the bite but not hard. I always save half a cup of that pasta water before draining because it’s pure gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later. Rinse the spaghetti briefly with cold water if making ahead so it stops cooking and doesn’t get mushy.

Step 2: Build your creamy sauce base

In a large skillet, melt butter in olive oil over medium-low heat. Then sprinkle in your flour and whisk, cooking for about 2 minutes until it thickens and looks like sandy paste. This roux is the foundation for your sauce. Adding garlic here for just 30 seconds gives that fragrant, fresh flavor without burning it.

Step 3: Bring the sauce together

Turn the heat down to low and gradually whisk in chicken broth followed by heavy cream. Then stir in fire roasted tomatoes with their juices and add the chicken bouillon and dried herbs. Crank the heat back to medium-high and let it gently simmer. Keep stirring so the sauce thickens up, about 5 to 7 minutes. It’s that stirring that ensures a silky texture without lumps.

Step 4: Melt in the cheese and chicken

Lower the heat, then slowly stir in your cheddar and Parmesan until melted and luscious. Now toss in your shredded rotisserie chicken to warm it through—this way the chicken stays tender and juicy, not overcooked. The flavors truly meld here, so give it a good stir.

Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce

Add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet, coating every strand in that creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, that's when your reserved pasta water comes into play—add it a little at a time to get exactly the consistency you want. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bit more kick.

Top Tip

Over the years making this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that always make it turn out great—these tips are worth the extra few seconds for the payoff.

Pasta timing: Cooking spaghetti al dente is non-negotiable; it holds up to the sauce without turning mushy, especially if you reheat leftovers.
Cheese magic: Always shred your own cheese—you get that silky melt and true flavor versus pre-shredded ones stuffed with anti-caking agents.
Stir, stir, stir: When simmering the sauce, constant stirring prevents lumps and burning on the bottom of the pan.
Pasta water wonder: That reserved water contains starch that helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy—don't skip it!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of chopped parsley—it brightens the dish visually and adds that fresh herb burst which balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic. Garlic bread is a classic partner here, especially if you want to sop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I sometimes transfer the whole skillet to the table or serve in mini ramekins for individual portions. If I’m feeling fancy, adding a drizzle of chili oil or sliced jalapeños on top gives a beautiful pop of color and heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy chicken spaghetti keeps great in the fridge for 2-3 days. I store it in an airtight container and always add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce’s creaminess and prevent dryness.

Freezing

I recommend freezing the unbaked version right after combining the ingredients. This helps maintain a better texture because the noodles won’t overcook. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver for planning ahead!

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring frequently. If you baked it beforehand, you can reheat covered with foil in the oven at 350°F until heated through—adding an extra 10 minutes if frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs yourself. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the sauce to keep the texture tender.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, use evaporated milk combined with a teaspoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Alternatively, half-and-half or whole milk with a bit more flour in the roux can work, but the sauce might be less rich.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free spaghetti or pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch for thickening. Make sure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free as well.

How spicy is the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?

The recipe has just a subtle kick from the red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust according to your taste—use less for mild or more for a spicier dish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has become one of my cherished go-to meals because it brings people to the table effortlessly. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make every bite feel like a warm hug. I hope you try it out soon—you might just find it becoming your family’s favorite too, just like mine.