Creamy Chicken Spaghetti. Basically, this is my own version of chicken spaghetti without the canned-cream-of-suspiciousness. It's completely delicious and easy and fast. All whole ingredients. You’ll never do this wonderful, comforting dish another way. Promise.
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Creamy Chicken Spaghetti has to be one of the world's most popular comfort food recipes ever. I remember eating it as a kid and it's something I make often when I want something that makes everyone feel better.
This version is completely free of any canned soups. Why? There is nothing in most canned "cream-of-whatever" soups that should be considered edible. They are chock full of preservatives and chemicals. You don't need them and they're not good for you. Don't do it.
Also, I am the Number 1 Fan of a rotisserie chicken. They are delicious and simple and very affordable. This cuts down on cook time, and in my opinion, chicken that is roasted on the bone is by far the best tasting. Grab one and use it. And, you can keep the bones for bone broth!
Now, onto another topic I'm very fond of. Bacon. I use bacon in this creamy chicken spaghetti recipe for both its fat and its flavor. Rendering it down provides the best fat to cook the onion, mushrooms, and kale it. The smell will instantly turn your kitchen into a very popular place. The smell of onions cooking in bacon fat should be made into a candle. I will die on that hill.
a secret ingredient
The sauce for my creamy chicken spaghetti is luscious and wonderful and all the things. However, I throw in something fun that is both a little tangy and a little sweet to cut through all of that. Enter: The Sun-Dried Tomato. Not only do these little ruby jewels add a ton of flavor, but they give fantastic flavor to this dish.
You can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil or the ones in the sealed bags without oil. They both work fanastic!
a note about cookware
I am not a fan of a ton of gadgets in the kitchen. However, I am a fan of minimal, good-quality cookware. I save my money and invest in pieces that will last a lifetime and they truly make a difference.
For this creamy chicken spaghetti recipe, I use a large enameled cast iron braiser. The size is fantastic and because it is heavy, the heat is distributed more evenly and the risk of burning the sauce goes down.
Like I said, I don't actually have a ton of tools in my arsenal, but I have a collection of high quality things that do improve my cooking greatly. Anything I recommend to you guys will be something that I own and use often.
recipe tips, tricks, and variations
- Cook the spaghetti to al dente. Resist the urge to cook it until it's mush. You can also use any pasta you prefer. Grab your favorite!
- Use real parmesan cheese. It makes a huge difference in taste. The real stuff only comes from Italy and will be stamped on the rind. It's worth the investment and will last a long time in the fridge. Stay away from the stuff with the green lid. It's not cheese, but rather a mixture of oil and chemicals. It's not fit for a fly to eat. I said it.
- If you're not a fan of kale, swap out with your favorite dark leafy green or other veggies.
- Serve with a side salad and some crusty garlic bread.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat for best results. Add a splash of heavy cream if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- I don't recommend freezer pasta dishes like this. The pasta doesn't do well upon thawing and reheating. It can turn into a gloopy mess.
frequently asked questions
Can this creamy chicken spaghetti recipe be made gluten-free?
Because we are not using the cream-of-whatever-in-a-can, there is no flour or gluten in the chicken mixture. All you would have to do is serve with a gluten-free pasta!
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy free, omit the heavy cream and use your favorite dairy-free milk or an unsweetened coconut cream. The parmesan can be substituted with nutritional yeast. It won't be exactly like the below recipe, but you'll have a great end product!
Is there a low-carb option for this recipe?
This is a great recipe for a low-carb option. My chicken spaghetti recipe is absolutely perfect for a good veggie noodle. I usually eat this dish with zucchini noodles and it is wonderful! Just toss the noodles in the creamy chicken spaghetti mixture just before serving and warm through. Spaghetti squash would also be an amazing noodle swap for this meal. Chef's kiss!
What if I don't like kale?
Kale is so very mild when it's cooked, but if you don't like it, leave it out. I am always trying to sneak more veggies into my kids diet and this is just another example of that. Spinach would be my next idea for a substitution, though!
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 5-6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bunch kale, rough chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 rotisserie chicken, deboned and shredded
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked to al dente
Instructions
- Add bacon to large skillet on medium heat and cook until fat begins to render.
- Add the onion and mushrooms to the bacon, continue cooking until softened.
- Add kale, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and chicken broth. Cook until kale is wilted.
- Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, and shredded chicken. Simmer until chicken is warmed through and sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss chicken mixture with cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh chives and extra parmesan.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you guys make this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try the Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
-Rufus
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