Creamy chicken spaghetti is the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a family favorite. It’s warm, comforting, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying — everything you want in a cozy pasta dish. Whether you’re feeding a big family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something delicious and hearty, this dish delivers every single time.

This version is incredibly rich and creamy, yet perfectly balanced. Tender shredded chicken, long spaghetti strands, garlic butter, creamy sauce, and melty cheese come together to create a dinner that feels homemade, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.

Unlike traditional red spaghetti dishes or heavy casseroles that can feel too dense, creamy chicken spaghetti has a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. The chicken adds protein and heartiness, the cheese provides melty richness, and the garlic creates depth that keeps you going back for another bite. It’s the perfect comfort food — simple, reliable, and amazingly delicious.

Why This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Works So Well

1. The Creamiest Sauce Ever

The combination of cream, broth, parmesan, and melted cheddar results in a velvety sauce that coats the spaghetti without becoming too thick or too runny.

2. Perfectly Seasoned Chicken

Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts, the flavors blend beautifully with the sauce.

3. Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

No strange ingredients, no complicated steps — just creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite.

4. Budget-Friendly

It uses pantry staples and simple ingredients you may already have on hand.

5. One-Pan Sauce, Easy Cleanup

No complicated cooking — everything comes together smoothly with minimal dishes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Spaghetti

Long spaghetti works beautifully because the creamy sauce clings to each strand, creating full flavor in every bite.

Chicken

Shredded chicken is ideal. This recipe works with:

• Rotisserie chicken
• Leftover roasted chicken
• Poached or pan-seared chicken breasts

Cream Sauce

The sauce is built from simple base ingredients:

• Butter & garlic for flavor
• Chicken broth for savory depth
• Heavy cream for richness
• Cream cheese for silkiness
• Cheddar cheese for flavor
• Parmesan for umami and body

Seasonings

Just enough to enhance the flavors: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and parsley.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for thinning the sauce later if needed.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Shred pre-cooked chicken or cook chicken breasts in a skillet with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Shred with two forks.

3. Build the Cream Sauce

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer.
4. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream.
6. Add cheddar and parmesan until melted into the sauce.
7. Add seasonings.

4. Combine Everything

Toss the spaghetti into the sauce. Add chicken and fold gently to coat every strand.

5. Serve Hot

Top with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Rich, cheesy, and incredibly comforting creamy chicken spaghetti made with tender shredded chicken and a velvety homemade sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti

Chicken

• 2 cups shredded chicken cooked

Cream Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped

Equipment

• Skillet
• Large pot
• Mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente and set aside.
2. Shred cooked chicken and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Whisk in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar, and parmesan until melted.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
8. Add spaghetti and shredded chicken to sauce; toss to coat.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Add pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Add crushed red pepper, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.

Cheesy Baked Version

Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes.

Vegetable-Packed Version

Add mushrooms, spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli.

Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

Season the sauce with Cajun seasoning for a smoky kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread or garlic knots
• Green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables
• Parmesan roasted broccoli
• Grilled chicken or shrimp (for extra protein)

Storage & Reheating

This dish reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator:

Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:

Up to 2 months (reheat gently as cream sauces may separate slightly).

Best Reheating Method:

Heat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Ingredients

Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti

Chicken

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Cream Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Shred cooked chicken; set aside.
3. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in cream cheese and whisk until melted.
6. Add heavy cream and stir.
7. Add cheddar and parmesan; melt until smooth.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
9. Add spaghetti and chicken to skillet; toss to coat.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.