Quick & Zesty Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Dinner Joy

Whipping up a delectable cheesy chicken spaghetti always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Comfort food dreams come alive with this simple yet mouthwatering dish.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces and al dente pasta.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that doesn’t require endless preparation time.

Melted cheese creates a rich, indulgent sauce that wraps around each pasta strand.

Quick ingredients and minimal cooking steps make this recipe a total winner.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti That Comforts and Satisfies

• Conquer Family Dinner: This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a deliciously comforting meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
• Simplify Cooking Process: With minimal prep steps and straightforward ingredients, home cooks can create a restaurant-worthy dish without complex techniques or specialized skills.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick substitutions like different proteins or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences or pantry availability.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and zesty tomatoes combine to create a rich, hearty meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base for this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.
• Velveeta Cheese: Creamy processed cheese that creates a smooth, rich sauce.

• Tomatoes, Chiles: Fresh ingredients that provide a bright and slightly spicy flavor profile.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: These ingredients blend together to create a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Finishing touches that add a sharp, salty flavor and fresh green garnish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Instructions to Make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta and set aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Velveeta cheese
• Milk

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety, creating a rich sauce that will coat every inch of the pasta.

Step 3: Incorporate Protein and Veggies

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green chiles

Simmer the mixture until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently toss the cooked spaghetti with the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring every strand is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley.

The final touch adds a burst of color and extra flavor that will make mouths water.

Step 6: Plate and Enjoy

Serve the cheesy chicken spaghetti piping hot, straight from the pot to the plate.

Each forkful promises a comforting blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Creamy and Delicious Chicken Pasta

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the soup mixture for deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Rinse cooked spaghetti with cold water and toss with a bit of olive oil to keep noodles separate and prevent sticking.
• Substitute regular Velveeta with low-fat cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of milk to reduce overall calorie content.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu for varied dietary needs.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations to Switch Up Your Chicken Spaghetti

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Spaghetti: Replace chiles with jalapeños, add taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap Velveeta for feta cheese, add chopped olives, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty Mediterranean flavor.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Spaghetti: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with pesto sauce, use mozzarella instead of Velveeta, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
• Gluten-Free Veggie Chicken Spaghetti: Use gluten-free pasta, add mixed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and replace regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives.

Pairings to Serve with Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with moderate oak to complement the creamy, cheesy texture of the chicken spaghetti, cutting through its richness while highlighting the dish's subtle spiciness.
• Craft Refreshing Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette and fresh herbs to balance the heavy, cheesy pasta, adding brightness and cutting through the rich flavors.
• Recommend Cooling Beverage: Serve an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona to match the chile and tomato elements, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, hearty chicken spaghetti.
• Suggest Zesty Garnish: Top the dish with extra chopped fresh parsley or green onions to introduce a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the overall flavor profile and adds visual appeal.

Storage Advice to Keep It Fresh

Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn, and store up to 2-3 months for future meals.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk to restore moisture, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Spread spaghetti in baking dish, drizzle extra milk or chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the right texture.

• Is Velveeta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Velveeta provides a creamy, smooth texture, but you can substitute it with cream cheese or cheddar cheese for a similar result. The key is to melt the cheese completely.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this cheesy chicken spaghetti, a creamy pasta masterpiece packed with savory goodness. Southern-style hospitality shines through each forkful, inviting you to savor a classic dish that warms hearts and satisfies hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Velveeta, cubed
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Soups and Dairy:

• 1 can (10-1/2 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1 can (10-1/2 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) 2% milk
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) chopped green chiles
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Minced fresh parsley, optional

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Instructions

1. Prepare spaghetti al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Melt Velveeta with cream soups and milk in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and green chiles into the creamy sauce, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Fold the cooked spaghetti into the cheesy chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is generously coated with the rich sauce.
5. Transfer the simmering casserole to a serving dish, creating an inviting presentation with vibrant colors and creamy texture.
6. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch.
7. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot, allowing the cheese to stretch deliciously with each forkful.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soups and cheese, making it heart-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s rich, comforting essence.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in airtight containers for a quick weeknight meal that saves time and reduces stress.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 363 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 759 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg