Step into a world of heartwarming flavors with this Old Fashioned Southern Chicken Spaghetti. This iconic comfort food, deeply rooted in Southern culinary traditions, transports me straight back to cherished childhood memories. It’s an incredibly easy one-pot meal that delivers a rich, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy experience, enhanced by the zesty kick of Rotel or the smoky depth of fire-roasted tomatoes. For those busy weeknights, a rotisserie chicken can be your secret weapon, dramatically cutting down prep time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
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Why This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a Must-Try
Have you ever experienced the unique delight of Southern Chicken Spaghetti? Growing up, I always found it to be a refreshing change from the typical ground beef and marinara sauce pasta dishes. What might seem like an unusual pairing to some is, in fact, a cherished staple in the Southern United States. This dish isn’t just “a thing”; it’s a culinary institution! You’ll find it prepared in various ways across the South, from the stovetop, creamy version featured in this recipe to a hearty baked casserole loaded with even more cheese.
One common critique I have of many chicken spaghetti recipes is their reliance on processed ingredients like Velveeta cheese and canned cream of chicken or mushroom soups. While these might offer convenience, they often introduce artificial flavors and unnecessary additives. My recipe aims to create that same luscious, thick, and creamy texture using fresh, wholesome ingredients, ensuring a truly authentic and delicious experience without the need for these shortcuts. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can achieve a superior taste and texture with real cheese and a homemade cream sauce.
What Type of Pasta to Use for Chicken Spaghetti
While this classic recipe traditionally calls for spaghetti, don’t feel limited! The beauty of Southern Chicken Spaghetti lies in its adaptability. You can absolutely use other pasta shapes that you prefer or have on hand. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even rotini would work wonderfully, each offering a slightly different texture to the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, whole wheat pasta is a great option (just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it can vary). For those seeking a low-carb alternative, spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles or carrot spirals can be a fantastic substitute, though their cooking method and integration into the sauce will differ slightly.
Regardless of your choice, remember that the pasta serves as the foundation for our rich and creamy sauce. Cooking it to a perfect al dente is key, as it will continue to absorb flavors and soften slightly when combined with the hot sauce. This ensures your Southern Chicken Spaghetti has the ideal bite and texture.
To Break or Not to Break: The Spaghetti Dilemma
This is a debate as old as spaghetti itself! Many people instinctively break their spaghetti in half to make it fit into a smaller pot. While it won’t technically “harm” the pasta, it’s a practice often frowned upon, especially in Italian culinary culture. Some even consider it a sign of bad luck or poor etiquette. The traditional way to enjoy spaghetti is by twirling its long strands around your fork, which is significantly harder to do with shorter, broken pieces. It also affects the overall mouthfeel and presentation of the dish.
My advice? Invest in a large enough pot – typically one that can comfortably hold 5-7 quarts of water. When you add dry spaghetti to vigorously boiling water, the strands will soften and wilt remarkably quickly, allowing them to submerge and fit perfectly without breaking. This preserves the integrity of the pasta and ensures that classic spaghetti experience in your creamy chicken spaghetti.
The Importance of Salting Pasta Water
This simple step is often overlooked but is absolutely crucial for flavorful pasta. You should always generously salt your water when cooking pasta – think “as salty as the sea.” While the pasta won’t absorb a significant amount of the salt, it plays a vital role in seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Without salt, your pasta will taste bland, regardless of how flavorful your sauce is. The salt helps to enhance the natural flavor of the pasta itself, creating a more cohesive and delicious final dish. Additionally, proper salting helps prevent the pasta from becoming sticky and slimy by creating a slightly rougher surface, allowing it to remain distinct and less likely to clump together. A general rule of thumb is to add at least a teaspoon of salt per quart of water, or even more, to ensure adequately seasoned pasta.
Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Southern Chicken Spaghetti
For this creamy chicken spaghetti, I typically opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, easy to dice, and cook quickly. However, the versatility of this dish means you have several excellent options:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are a fantastic choice. They offer more flavor and tend to stay juicier than breasts. The cooking time will remain very similar to breasts when diced into 1-inch cubes.
- Cooked Rotisserie Chicken: This is a brilliant time-saver, especially on busy weeknights. Simply shred or chop the pre-cooked chicken and add it directly to the sauce. It brings a wonderful savory depth and eliminates an entire cooking step, making this an even quicker one-pot chicken spaghetti.
- Leftover Cooked Chicken: Have some baked or grilled chicken on hand? Dice it up and incorporate it into the recipe. This is a great way to reduce food waste and speed up dinner prep.
No matter which type of chicken you choose, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and diced into bite-sized pieces so it integrates well with the spaghetti and sauce.
Crafting the Perfect Cream Sauce: Ingredients Breakdown
The heart of any delicious chicken spaghetti recipe is its sauce, and this creamy, dreamy concoction is no exception. While store-bought sauces offer convenience, making your own from scratch allows for unparalleled flavor and control over ingredients. And honestly, it’s easier than you think!
Our indulgent cream sauce features a rich white base, built upon a foundation of savory butter, tangy cream cheese, and flavorful chicken broth. The lusciousness is further enhanced by heavy cream, while the irresistible cheesy essence comes from a blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan cheeses. You’re welcome to experiment with your favorite cheeses; Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a hint of smoked gouda could add exciting twists.
A crucial tip for the best cheesy chicken spaghetti: always buy your cheese in block form and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with potato starch or cellulose to prevent clumping. While harmless, these anti-caking agents hinder proper melting, resulting in a grainy or clumpy sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and seamlessly, creating a velvety texture that’s simply unmatched in flavor and consistency. Avoid processed cheeses like Velveeta for the same reason; they don’t deliver the authentic, rich cheese flavor we’re aiming for.
To introduce a vibrant, slightly smoky tomato flavor, I highly recommend fire-roasted tomatoes. They add a depth that canned diced tomatoes often lack. However, feel free to adapt this to your preference: omit them entirely, use fresh diced tomatoes, or incorporate the classic Southern choice, a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), for a subtle spicy kick. The beauty of homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti is its versatility.
Achieving Ideal Sauce Consistency for Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
The key to a perfectly luscious and thick sauce in this Southern Chicken Spaghetti lies primarily in the cream cheese. When properly softened, cream cheese melts into the broth and heavy cream, creating a naturally rich and smooth consistency. It’s vital to use softened cream cheese; if you add it straight from the fridge, it will be lumpy and take a frustratingly long time to melt evenly. To soften, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in its wrapper for 15-20 seconds until pliable.
However, if you find your sauce is still a bit too thin after adding all ingredients and allowing the cheese to melt – perhaps due to varying cream cheese brands or other ingredient factors – don’t worry! You can easily thicken it further. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into your simmering cream sauce and continue stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. The flour will cook out, leaving a perfectly smooth and rich sauce.
Conversely, if your sauce becomes too thick for your liking, you can effortlessly thin it out by stirring in a few extra tablespoons of chicken broth until the desired consistency is achieved. Always taste and adjust as you go!
How to Make Cheesy One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Creating this delicious, cheesy one-pot chicken spaghetti is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your spaghetti (or preferred pasta) according to the package directions in a large pot of well-salted boiling water. While the pasta cooks, take this opportunity to prepare your chicken and chop your vegetables. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken cubes, seasoning them generously with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: If necessary, add another teaspoon of olive oil to the same pot (the chicken may have left enough residue). Add the chopped green peppers, red peppers, and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, translucent, and fragrant. Remove the sautéed vegetables and set them aside with the chicken.
- Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the stove heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pot. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour a few tablespoons of chicken broth into the pot. Use a wooden or silicone spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These “fond” bits are packed with flavor and will significantly enhance your sauce.
- Simmer the Cream Sauce: Add the remaining chicken broth, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, shredded cheddar, shredded Parmesan, drained fire-roasted tomatoes (or Rotel), and the final 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir constantly over medium heat until all the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the pot with the cream sauce. Stir gently to ensure everything is thoroughly coated.
- Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to low, place a lid on the pot, and let the chicken spaghetti simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. This allows the pasta to fully absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and ensures all ingredients are wonderfully incorporated.
- Serve: Dish out generous portions of your homemade Southern Chicken Spaghetti and enjoy!
Choosing the Best Pot for Your One-Pot Pasta
Making this creamy chicken spaghetti a true one-pot wonder hinges on selecting the right cookware. My top recommendation is a 7-quart Dutch oven. This versatile kitchen workhorse is perfectly sized to handle the entire recipe, from boiling the pasta to sautéing the chicken and vegetables, and finally simmering the rich sauce. Dutch ovens, especially those made from cast iron or enameled cast iron, are excellent heat conductors and retain heat beautifully, which is essential for even cooking and flavor development.
Using a pot that is too small, particularly when cooking pasta, can lead to undesirable results. A cramped pot means less water relative to the amount of pasta, leading to a higher concentration of starch in the cooking water. This sticky starch can cause your pasta strands to clump together and become gummy rather than firm and distinct. For the best texture, always err on the side of a larger pot, even if you’re cooking a smaller quantity of pasta. This allows the pasta ample space to move, ensuring it cooks evenly and prevents stickiness. Familiarizing yourself with common pasta cooking mistakes can help you master this fundamental skill for all your pasta dishes.
Delicious Toppings and Substitution Ideas for Your Chicken Spaghetti
This Southern Chicken Spaghetti recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous delicious additions and substitutions to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your dish:
- Crumbled Bacon: Adds a salty, smoky crunch that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
- Shrimp: For a delightful surf-and-turf twist, sauté some shrimp and stir them in at the end.
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil offers a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Always a welcome topping for any pasta dish, adding extra sharpness and saltiness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant warmth.
- Cajun Seasoning: For a bolder, spicier Southern flavor, swap out some of the Italian seasoning for a good quality Cajun blend.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed sliced mushrooms bring an earthy umami depth.
- Spinach: Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the very end for added greens and nutrients.
- Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli florets can be stirred in for extra texture and nutritional value.
- Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a briny, savory element.
- Different Cheeses: Don’t limit yourself to cheddar and Parmesan! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mix of Italian cheeses can offer new flavor dimensions.
- Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version (omitting chicken), use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Spaghetti
One of the many joys of Southern Chicken Spaghetti is how wonderfully it holds up as leftovers. If you have any delicious portions remaining, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and meld overnight, making the dish taste even better the next day – a true testament to good comfort food!
When it comes to reheating, the microwave is your best friend for individual servings. Simply place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For larger quantities, gently reheat the chicken spaghetti in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce appears too thick or dry. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure a creamy consistency. The dish will retain its incredible consistency and rich flavor, making for a quick and satisfying meal any time.
Freezer-Friendly Tips for Chicken Spaghetti
Yes, you can absolutely freeze Southern Chicken Spaghetti! This makes it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks or to have on hand for unexpected guests. To freeze, allow the cooked chicken spaghetti to cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. You can freeze it in individual portions for quick meals or larger family-sized quantities. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to 2 months.
When working with pasta dishes that contain dairy, like this creamy chicken spaghetti, it’s worth noting that upon reheating after freezing, you might observe a slight separation in the sauce. This is completely normal and doesn’t affect the flavor. To minimize this, ensure the dish is tightly covered to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost the spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring well and adding a little extra broth or milk if needed to restore its creamy texture. While the texture of the pasta might be slightly softer than freshly made, the rich flavors will still shine through, providing a convenient and delicious meal.
What to Serve with Southern Chicken Spaghetti
This hearty and flavorful Southern Chicken Spaghetti is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich flavors and creamy texture. Here are some fantastic suggestions to round out your dinner:
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the pasta.
- Southern Green Beans: A classic Southern vegetable side that’s always a winner.
- Southern Collard Greens: For a truly traditional Southern meal, collard greens offer a robust and savory counterpoint.
- Keto Broccoli Salad: A crunchy and creamy salad for a fresh, vibrant contrast.
- Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli: Simple, healthy, and delicious.
- Air Fryer Green Beans: Quick to make and perfectly crisp-tender.
- Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken: If you want more chicken, this adds a crispy texture.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo: A hearty and flavorful addition for a bigger feast.
More Irresistible Pasta Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting appeal of this Southern Chicken Spaghetti, you’re in for a treat! Pasta dishes are incredibly versatile and endlessly satisfying. Here are more delectable pasta recipes to inspire your next meal, ranging from fresh salads to hearty baked dishes and creamy stovetop creations:
- Spaghetti Salad
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
- Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Spaghetti with Sausage
- Ground Beef Pasta with Alfredo
You may also enjoy our Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe for another delightful chicken dish.
Southern Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
Author: Brandi Crawford
This Old Fashioned Southern Chicken Spaghetti takes me right back to my childhood. It’s an easy one-pot recipe that’s served creamy, cheesy, and with the perfect touch of Rotel or fire-roasted tomatoes. For a quick weeknight meal, simply grab a rotisserie chicken!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 88 votes.
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Cook Time:
- 45 mins
- Total Time:
- 50 mins
- Course:
- Dinner, Lunch
- Cuisine:
- Southern
- Servings:
- 5 servings
- Calories:
- 690 kcal
Equipment
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Colander
- Silicone Spoon
- Freezer Soup Molds
Ingredients
- 10 oz dry spaghetti pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (Divided into 2 portions, 1 teaspoon each.)
- 1 pound skinless chicken breasts (Diced into 1-inch cubes.)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided into 2 portions, 1 teaspoon each.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup chopped green peppers
- ½ cup chopped red peppers
- ½ cup chopped onions (I used white onions.)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (See notes.)
- 15.5 oz fire-roasted tomatoes (Drained)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (I used sharp.)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the packaging in a large pot of salted water. While the pasta cooks, prep your vegetables and chicken. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
- Place a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chicken cubes and season with 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Add an additional teaspoon of olive oil (if necessary; your pot may be well coated from cooking the chicken) along with the chopped green peppers, red peppers, and onions to the pot. Sauté until the veggies are translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the vegetables and set them aside with the chicken.
- Reduce the heat on the stove to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add a few tablespoons of the broth to the pot to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden or silicone spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, incorporating their flavor into the sauce.
- Add in the remaining broth, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, shredded cheddar, shredded Parmesan, drained fire-roasted tomatoes (or Rotel), and the final 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir constantly and cook until all the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables back to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce the heat to low and place the lid on the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce and pasta to marry and the flavors to deepen.
- Serve your delicious Southern Chicken Spaghetti hot and enjoy!
Notes
- I’m a huge fan of making this a one-pot recipe. I go for this 7-quart Dutch oven. It’s large enough to cook the pasta in and it can withstand higher heat for sautéing the vegetables and chicken. If you want to make this using one pot, grab one that’s large enough and retains heat well.
- As always, feel free to use a store-bought sauce if that’s your preference and you want to save some time, though homemade is highly recommended for best flavor.
- To soften cream cheese, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in its wrapper for 15-20 seconds until pliable.
- You can substitute heavy whipping cream for half and half, coconut milk, or any milk that you prefer, though heavy cream provides the richest texture.
- You can use any type of pasta you like, including whole wheat or low-carb spiralized vegetables (adjust cooking methods accordingly).
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with skinless chicken thighs without changing the cooking time when diced.
- A cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; simply shred or chop it and add directly to the sauce.
- For tomato flavor, fire-roasted tomatoes are preferred, but you can omit them, use fresh diced tomatoes, or a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) for a mild kick.
- The cream cheese is the primary thickener. If your sauce is still too thin (sometimes due to different cream cheese brands), create a slurry by combining 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon cold water. Whisk this into the simmering sauce until thickened.
- If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with additional chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- A serving is approximately 1 cup of the cooked pasta, sauce, chicken, and vegetables combined.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 690 kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 38g
Nutrition Data Disclaimer
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for this or any recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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