Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Let me tell you, this Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is pure comfort served on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and pulls everyone to the table with eager anticipation. I love making it during the holidays because it’s hearty, creamy, and festive all at once—it just fits perfectly into the cozy vibe of Christmas gatherings.

What makes this Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe a winner for me is how easy it is to prepare, yet it feels special enough for company. Plus, the blend of Velveeta and cream cheese creates that ultra-creamy texture I just can’t get enough of. Whether you want a crowd-pleaser for holiday potlucks or just a comforting meal to unwind after a busy day of decorating, this dish delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a wonderful balance of flavors and textures—from the tender chicken and al dente spaghetti to the creamy, cheesy sauce with a little kick from the Ro*Tel tomatoes. When shopping, opt for fresh chicken breasts and good quality cheese for the best results.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like using fresh chicken that I poach gently to keep it juicy and tender.
• Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti pasta works great here—just cook it to al dente to avoid mushiness later.
• Ro*Tel tomatoes (canned): Adds a subtle spicy kick and moistens the mix nicely—drain lightly if you prefer less liquid.
• Cream of mushroom soup (canned): This is the creamy base that melds everything together with rich umami flavor.
• Velveeta cheese: Melts beautifully to give that smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
• Cream cheese: Adds extra richness and makes the sauce super luscious.
• Garlic powder: Enhances depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Onion powder: Gives just the right savory touch.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For topping—creates a deliciously golden, melty crust when baked.

Variations

I like to play with this Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. It’s really easy to customize, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Spicy kick: I sometimes add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat, which adds a fun twist.
• Dairy-free version: I’ve swapped out Velveeta and cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast for friends with allergies—still tasty and creamy!
• Veggie boost: Throwing in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach adds color and nutrients to this dish.
• Different pasta: Although spaghetti is classic, elbow macaroni or penne work just as well if you prefer.

How to Make Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Start by boiling your chicken breasts in a pot of salted water until cooked through—about 15 minutes. Don’t overcook; you want tender, juicy chicken that’ll shred easily. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken with two forks or your fingers. This is a small step that makes a big difference—juicy, shredded chicken blends into the spaghetti perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil your spaghetti according to package directions, but stop just shy of fully cooked (al dente is best). Drain it well and set aside—overcooked pasta will make the whole dish too soggy.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, Ro*Tel tomatoes, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continually until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. This step is where the magic happens—make sure the sauce is silky and lump-free before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Bake

Mix the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce, folding gently to coat everything evenly. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melty.

How to Serve Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top before serving—adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up this rich dish. Sometimes a little extra shredded cheddar on the side never hurts either!

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy chicken spaghetti nicely. Roasted seasonal vegetables or steamed broccoli also pair well—they cut through the richness while keeping the meal festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday dinner, I sometimes serve the Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and bake until bubbly. It feels extra special and is perfect for plating at the table. You can also garnish with little sprigs of rosemary or a cranberry chutney on the side for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the pasta from drying out or getting too gummy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. It keeps for about 2 months, which is great for prepping in advance for a busy holiday week.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. It helps retain that creamy texture better than microwaving, which can sometimes dry it out. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce looks a bit thick.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe holds a special place on my holiday table because it’s both comforting and deliciously easy to make. I love how it brings everyone together—family, friends—you name it. If you want a festive, creamy, and crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, give this recipe a try. I promise, you’ll be making it for Christmas and beyond!

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