Chicken Spaghetti With Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comfort food classic that’s quick, easy, and ridiculously tasty, chicken spaghetti with cream of mushroom soup is the answer. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping a weeknight dinner, or just craving something creamy and comforting, this dish does the trick.

What makes this chicken spaghetti recipe so irresistible is its combination of creamy, savory goodness with tender chicken and pasta. Add a bit of cheese for extra indulgence, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to satisfy. The beauty of this dish is how simple the ingredients are-yet the flavor is anything but basic. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe, making it perfect for tailoring to your preferences or what you’ve got on hand.

Let’s dive right in, because this is one meal you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Chicken Spaghetti With Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Chicken spaghetti with cream of mushroom soup has been a staple in many households for decades. The dish typically combines cooked chicken, pasta, a creamy sauce (often made with condensed cream of mushroom soup), and seasonings to create a deliciously hearty meal. What makes this particular recipe stand out is its balance of rich flavors and its comforting, creamy texture. It’s one of those recipes that’s as familiar as it is satisfying-perfect for a busy weeknight or any time you need a cozy meal.

Ingredients Needed

For the base recipe, you don’t need a ton of ingredients, which is part of its appeal. Here’s everything you’ll need to create a flavorful, creamy chicken spaghetti:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs) – About 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or cubed). You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
• Spaghetti – Regular or whole wheat pasta works well. You can even try a gluten-free version if needed.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each) – The star of the dish. It provides that rich, velvety texture and earthy flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese – A blend of sharp and mild works best. You’ll need about 2 cups shredded, but feel free to adjust.
• Milk or Chicken Broth (1 cup) – This helps thin out the soup for a more sauce-like consistency.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – For an extra savory punch.
• Onion Powder (1 tsp) – A little sweetness and depth.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential for balancing the flavors.
• Chopped Bell Peppers or Pimentos (optional) – For a slight sweetness and color, adding a nice crunch.
• Olive Oil or Butter (for cooking) – A couple tablespoons to sauté the chicken and veggies.

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like sour cream, crushed tomatoes, or green onions to make it uniquely yours.

Cooking Instructions

The beauty of this chicken spaghetti recipe is how simple and quick it is to prepare. The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for anyone-even beginners in the kitchen.

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • If you haven’t already, cook the chicken. You can grill, bake, or even sauté it in a pan with a bit of olive oil or butter. Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook The Pasta

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions (typically around 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Make The Sauce

   • In a large pan or skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. If you’re adding veggies like bell peppers or onions, sauté them here until they soften, around 3-4 minutes.
   • Add in the cream of mushroom soup, followed by 1 cup of milk or chicken broth to thin the sauce. Stir well to combine.
   • Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Combine

   • Add your cooked chicken and drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are well coated.

5. Add Cheese

   • Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the creamy sauce. This step makes everything extra delicious, so be generous with the cheese.

6. Bake (Optional)

   • For an extra level of comfort, transfer everything to a greased baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Dish out the creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti onto plates and serve hot. You can garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or even crushed red pepper for some heat.

Ingredient Insights

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the heart of the recipe. Not only does it make the dish creamy, but it adds an earthy, savory flavor that complements the chicken and pasta beautifully. It’s one of those pantry staples that always seems to come in handy, and it’s the key to making this dish as creamy as it is.
• Cheddar Cheese: The choice of cheese is important. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy, robust flavor, while mild cheddar keeps things creamy and smooth. If you want to mix it up, you can try adding mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for depth.
• Chicken: You can go with chicken breasts, thighs, or even use rotisserie chicken to save time. Chicken thighs offer a bit more flavor and moisture, but breast meat is leaner and works well if you’re looking for a healthier option.
• Pasta: Spaghetti is classic here, but any long pasta, like fettuccine or linguine, will do just fine. Whole wheat pasta works if you’re after a healthier alternative, though it can affect the final taste and texture slightly.

Expert Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience and added flavor, use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and gives the dish a more robust, smoky flavor.
• Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Sometimes, a bit more garlic powder, some cayenne for heat, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the dish to the next level.
• Add More Veggies: To pack in more nutrition, feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, peas, or mushrooms. Broccoli also pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• Leftovers: This dish is fantastic as leftovers. In fact, it might even taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
• Texture: If you want to avoid a dry dish, make sure you don’t overcook the pasta. It should still have a slight bite to it before you combine it with the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Add a Tomato Base: For a different twist, stir in a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce to create a more Italian-inspired version. You can even throw in a dash of Italian seasoning.
• Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to give your dish some heat. Spicy chicken spaghetti with cream of mushroom soup is a surprisingly good combo!
• Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Sour Cream: Instead of using all cream of mushroom soup, swap out half with sour cream for an even creamier and tangier version.
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: Layer the chicken spaghetti in a casserole dish, top with a mix of breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake it until golden and crispy.

Final Words

Chicken spaghetti with cream of mushroom soup is the definition of simple comfort food that feels special. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese combine into a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for all sorts of occasions-from a quiet dinner at home to a large family gathering.

The best part? It’s flexible. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or adding your own twist, this dish adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for. And once you’ve made it, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser on your hands that’s hard to beat.