Description
This creamy jalapeño popper chicken spaghetti combines tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish blends al dente spaghetti with a luscious cream cheese and cheddar sauce, enhanced with garlic, onions, and crispy bacon garnish for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Sauces
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics and Jalapeños: In the same skillet, add a little oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños over medium heat until softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps release the bold, spicy flavors of the jalapeños.
- Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Then fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce for a rich and velvety texture.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the creamy cheese sauce, stirring well to fully coat everything. Let the mixture cook together for a few minutes, so the flavors meld and the dish heats through evenly.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. Serve the creamy jalapeño popper chicken spaghetti hot, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños for an extra kick, chopped green onions for freshness, and crispy bacon bits to add crunch and smoky flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to how spicy you like the dish.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a slightly juicier option.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Save leftover sauce and chicken for an easy lunch the next day.
