Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes
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Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? This Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is your answer! Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that your whole family will love. Perfect for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
This chicken spaghetti recipe has become a staple in my household for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile and forgiving – perfect for using up leftover chicken or veggies in your fridge. The creamy, cheesy sauce brings everything together in a comforting dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Unlike traditional pasta recipes that might require hours of simmering, this quick version delivers all the flavor in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
- Perfect for using leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food the whole family will love
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day
Ingredients for Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti
One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious chicken spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti – Regular or thin spaghetti works best
- 2 cups cooked chicken – Diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 small onion – Finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper – Diced into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor
- 1 cup chicken broth – Low-sodium recommended
- 1 cup milk or cream – Whole milk or half-and-half works best
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – To thicken the sauce
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt – Adds perfect flavor
- ½ teaspoon chili powder – For a little kick (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chicken spaghetti in just 30 minutes:
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Chicken and Cheese
Stir in the cooked chicken and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with seasoned salt and chili powder. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Final Touch
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese. If desired, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Time-Saving Tips
Make this Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe even faster with these helpful shortcuts:
- Use rotisserie chicken – Skip cooking the chicken and use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead. Simply shred or dice about 2 cups worth.
- Pre-shredded cheese – While freshly grated cheese melts better, pre-shredded cheese works fine in a pinch and saves prep time.
- Pre-chopped vegetables – Many grocery stores sell pre-chopped onions and bell peppers in the produce section.
- Cook pasta ahead – You can cook the spaghetti up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until needed.
Pro Tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for another meal! This chicken spaghetti freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
Customization Options
This Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:
Vegetarian Version
Swap the chicken for 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Sauté the mushrooms with the onions and peppers until golden brown.
Spicy Kick
Add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers and onions, or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
Extra Veggies
Add diced zucchini, carrots, or frozen peas to boost the nutritional value. Just add firmer vegetables like carrots when you sauté the onions, and more delicate ones like peas at the end.
“I made this with leftover rotisserie chicken and added some broccoli. My kids devoured it and asked for seconds! This recipe is definitely going into our regular rotation.”
Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these perfect pairings for your Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti:
Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread – The perfect companion for soaking up that delicious sauce
- Simple Green Salad – A light, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta
- Steamed Broccoli – Add some green to your plate for a balanced meal
- Roasted Vegetables – Caramelized veggies add wonderful flavor contrast
Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 496 | 25% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with seasoned salt and chili powder.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
- If desired, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 | Calories: 496 per serving
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits.
Freezer
This dish freezes beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works great, you can substitute any pasta shape you have on hand. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well with this creamy sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with 8 oz of sliced mushrooms or 1 cup of your favorite roasted vegetables. Also, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or any pre-cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Simply shred or dice it and add it when the recipe calls for adding the chicken.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend all work great in this recipe. For a more gourmet version, try using Gruyère or a combination of cheeses.
Ready to Try This Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti?
This Quick & Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can create a comforting dish that your whole family will request again and again.
The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti creates a meal that feels indulgent but is actually quite simple to prepare. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or customize it with your favorite add-ins, this versatile dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
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