Looking for a creamy, cheesy, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort? This Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti is your weeknight lifesaver. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for anyone who wants a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes or less
- 🧀 Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
- 🍗 Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken
- 🍽️ A hit with both kids and adults
- 🥣 Comforting without being heavy
This chicken spaghetti recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a solution to your busiest evenings.
What Makes This Recipe Perfect for Weeknights
Not all easy recipes are created equal. What sets this chicken spaghetti apart is its balance between speed and satisfaction.
- Everything is made in one pan or pot
- No complicated prep steps
- Flexible ingredients — use what you have
- Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
Whether you’re a full-time parent, a student, or a busy professional, this recipe fits perfectly into your routine without compromising on comfort or flavor.
The Inspiration Behind This One-Pan Chicken Spaghetti
This dish was born out of necessity — a need to get dinner on the table fast after a long day, with nothing thawed and no time to cook from scratch. That’s where leftover chicken and a handful of staples came into play.
Imagine this:
A late Wednesday evening. A fridge with yesterday’s rotisserie chicken. A half box of spaghetti. A can of soup. A craving for something warm and cheesy.
And just like that, this creamy chicken spaghetti was created — and quickly became a weekly family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Substitutes)
Let’s talk about what you’ll need — and what you can swap if you’re missing something:
📝 Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti — Broken in half for easier mixing. Use whole wheat or gluten-free if needed.
- 2 tbsp butter — Or olive oil for a lighter option.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped — Adds sweet depth. Yellow or white both work.
- 1 clove garlic, minced — Or ½ tsp garlic powder in a pinch.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded — Rotisserie chicken works great.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup — Can substitute with homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom.
- ½ cup sour cream — Or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- ½ cup chicken broth — Adds flavor and helps thin the sauce.
- Salt & pepper — Start light, then season to taste.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese — Use sharp for more flavor.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese — For a rich, salty finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional) — For color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to cook? Here’s how this recipe comes together effortlessly:
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti until just al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook — it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
🍳 Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more.
🐔 Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
- Add shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
🍝 Step 4: Add Pasta and Cheese
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan on top.
- Cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
🌿 Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions.
- Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Flavor-Boosting Tips & Customizations
Want to elevate your dish even further? Here are some add-ins and swaps to suit your taste:
🔄 Ingredient Swaps:
- No cream of chicken soup? Make a quick roux with butter, flour, and milk.
- Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Need more veggies? Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
🧂 Flavor Enhancers:
- Add 1 tsp smoked paprika for depth.
- Mix in ½ tsp Italian seasoning for a herby twist.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it all up.
How to Store and Reheat Like a Pro
Storage Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to restore creaminess.
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- For oven: Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Round out your meal with sides that complement the creamy, cheesy flavor:
🥗 Salads:
- Caesar salad
- Arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Tomato-cucumber salad with balsamic
🍞 Bread:
- Garlic bread
- Cheddar biscuits
- Crusty French loaf
🥤 Drinks:
- Lemon iced tea
- Sparkling water with lime
- A light white wine like Pinot Grigio
Why Families Love This Easy Casserole
It’s not just about the recipe — it’s about what it represents:
- It’s a warm hug after a stressful day.
- It’s a way to repurpose leftovers creatively.
- It satisfies picky eaters and foodies alike.
- It’s fast enough for a Wednesday and delicious enough for a Sunday.
Common Questions & Helpful Answers
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes! Canned chicken works in a pinch — just drain it well.
Q: Can I bake it instead of stovetop?
A: Absolutely. Mix everything, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 mins.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Not at all — it’s family-friendly. But you can easily add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! This recipe scales well. Use a larger skillet or mix in a baking dish.
Printable Recipe Card
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Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti
The perfect creamy comfort food for weeknights
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt & pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta; set aside.
- In skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion & garlic.
- Add chicken, soup, sour cream, broth. Simmer.
- Stir in pasta; top with cheeses.
- Cover and cook until cheese melts.
- Garnish & serve!
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti is more than just a recipe — it’s a practical solution wrapped in creamy, cheesy comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, feeding picky eaters, or just need something warm on a hectic day, this dish always delivers.
✅ Family-friendly
✅ Freezer-friendly
✅ 100% satisfying
