Creamy Chicken Pasta Dish

This creamy chicken spaghetti combines tender pasta with juicy shredded chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce that's perfectly balanced with a hint of spice from Rotel tomatoes. It's been my go-to comfort food creation when I need something that pleases everyone at the table while still being simple enough for weeknight cooking.

I first created this recipe when my daughter came home after a tough day at school. The combination of creamy comfort and mild spice immediately brought a smile to her face, and it's been our special "bad day cure" dish ever since.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Forms the hearty base for this dish and provides the perfect texture to hold our creamy sauce
• Shredded chicken: Adds protein and substance; look for rotisserie chicken to save time
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich foundation for our sauce while allowing you to control the saltiness
• Garlic: Brings essential aromatic flavor; freshly minced provides the most vibrant taste
• Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: Offer the perfect balance of acidity and gentle heat
• Cream of chicken soup: Provides instant creaminess and depth of flavor
• Chicken broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency; use homemade for extra flavor
• Cream cheese: Creates silky richness and helps bind the sauce together
• Cheddar cheese: Adds sharp flavor and that irresistible melty quality; use freshly grated for the best melting
• Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions suggest. The pasta will continue cooking slightly in the sauce. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water to help thicken and bind our sauce later. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it as the starch helps the sauce adhere.

Create the Aromatic Base:

In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam but not brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for exactly one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and just barely golden at the edges. This step builds the foundation of flavor for our sauce.

Build the Sauce:

Add the Rotel tomatoes with their juice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly.

Incorporate the Creaminess:

Reduce heat to medium low and add the softened cream cheese in small pieces. Stir patiently until the cream cheese has completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a silky texture with no lumps. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.

Combine the Elements:

Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet, using tongs to toss everything together until every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is evenly coated with sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture and gently fold it in until completely melted and incorporated. The sauce should become extra creamy and develop beautiful stretchy cheese pulls when served. Remove from heat once cheese is fully melted to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the creamy chicken spaghetti to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese and a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for brightness, color and flavor contrast. Serve immediately while hot and at peak creaminess.

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My favorite thing about this recipe is the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. I discovered their magic when I accidentally grabbed them instead of plain diced tomatoes one night. The gentle heat they provide creates such a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and cream. Now my family protests if I try to make it any other way!

Make Ahead and Storage

This creamy chicken spaghetti stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making it a perfect make ahead meal option for busy weeks. When reheating, add a small splash of milk or chicken broth and stir frequently to restore the creamy consistency. I recommend gently warming on the stovetop rather than microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes many adaptations based on what you have available. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese and use reduced fat cheddar. Gluten free pasta works perfectly for those with dietary restrictions. For vegetable additions, try sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach folded in at the end. You can also swap the chicken for leftover turkey after holidays or use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken spaghetti with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the main dish. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce. For an elegant presentation, serve smaller portions as a first course before a simply prepared protein like grilled fish. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light unoaked Chardonnay to balance the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use any type of pasta for this dish?

Yes, while spaghetti works wonderfully, you can substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or even short pasta like penne or rotini.

→ What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?

You can replace Rotel tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes and a small amount of chopped green chilies for a similar flavor profile.

→ How can I make the sauce smoother?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the skillet. You can also whisk the sauce for a smoother texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it, but the pasta may absorb more sauce over time. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complement this creamy dish beautifully.