Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti: A Simple, Flavorful Weeknight Meal

When you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and family-approved meal, this Chicken Spaghetti recipe checks all the boxes. Combining tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a hint of spice, this recipe is perfect for anyone who craves comfort food but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it only takes around 20 minutes from start to finish!

What Makes This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Special?

This dish is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor. The creaminess of the condensed soup, the slight tang from the tomatoes and green chile peppers, and the rich, cheesy finish from the processed cheese make it a satisfying meal. The recipe is also versatile, allowing for simple swaps and customizations based on what you have in your kitchen.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who just wants a fuss-free dinner, this recipe is for you. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this dish with confidence. It’s also great for meal prepping, making it a favorite for those who need leftovers that taste just as good the next day.

Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti: A Simple, Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Recipe by Chief TaimourCourse: Dinner Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package of angel hair pasta

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers

• ¾ (8 ounce) package of processed cheese, cubed

• ½ (4 ounce) jar of sliced mushrooms, drained

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Cooking the Angel Hair Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
• Combining the Chicken and Sauce
• Add the chopped cooked chicken, condensed soup, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, processed cheese, mushrooms, salt, and pepper to the pot of pasta.
• Stir everything over low heat until the cheese melts and the mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes.
• Bringing It All Together
• Once everything is well combined, remove from heat and serve hot.

Key Ingredients Breakdown:

• Angel Hair Pasta: Quick to cook, this pasta’s light texture perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
• Chicken: Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess to the dish without the need for heavy cream.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: A touch of heat and acidity balances the richness of the sauce.
• Processed Cheese: Melts easily into the sauce, creating a velvety finish.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before you get started, here’s a quick list of kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Strainer to drain pasta
• A large saucepan or deep skillet for mixing
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Chicken Spaghetti

Cooking the Angel Hair Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the chopped cooked chicken, condensed soup, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, processed cheese, mushrooms, salt, and pepper to the pot of pasta.
2. Stir everything over low heat until the cheese melts and the mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Bringing It All Together

1. Once everything is well combined, remove from heat and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Chicken Spaghetti

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftovers to cut down on prep time.
• You can cook the pasta while prepping the sauce ingredients to streamline the process.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap the processed cheese for shredded cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer.
• Chicken: Replace with turkey or even cooked ground beef for a different flavor.
• Mushrooms: Leave them out if you’re not a fan, or substitute with zucchini or spinach for added veggies.

Recipe Variations You Can Try

Vegetarian Version

Skip the chicken and replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to bulk it up.

Spicy Kick Version

If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño or some cayenne pepper to the sauce to increase the spice level. You can also use pepper jack cheese for extra kick.

How to Store Leftovers

Storing in the Fridge

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but it will still taste great when reheated.

Freezing the Spaghetti

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Best Results

To reheat, simply pop the spaghetti in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to thin the sauce if necessary.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair With Chicken Spaghetti

Side Dishes

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic bread is always a winner when paired with pasta.

Beverage Pairings

For beverages, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a slice of lime adds a refreshing touch.

Is This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Healthy?

While this recipe isn’t low-calorie, it’s still a balanced meal thanks to the protein from the chicken and the carbs from the pasta. If you’re looking to make it healthier, opt for whole wheat pasta, low-sodium soup, and swap the processed cheese for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the angel hair pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but be sure to add a bit of spice to mimic the flavor of the green chile peppers.

3. What’s the best way to reheat the dish?

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk to loosen the sauce.

4. Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli would be great additions.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti is a go-to for anyone who needs a fast, satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a weeknight winner. Try it for yourself and see how it becomes a family favorite!