Creamy Garlic Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1.5 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Tools Needed
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4
Add the Italian seasoning and dried oregano to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 6
Sprinkle the softened cream cheese over the garlic and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 7
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Step 8
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 9
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken, and cream sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is well coated.
Step 10
Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 11
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
What if I don't have whole milk?
You can substitute with additional heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative.
Preparation Tips
- Use a high-quality, flavorful Italian seasoning for the best results.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti – it should still have a bit of bite.
- If using frozen cream cheese, thaw and soften before cubing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
- Add some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Try using different types of cheese, such as ricotta or Gruyère, for a unique twist.