Description

This isn’t your typical red-sauce spaghetti situation. We’re talking about the creamy, dreamy, soul-warming kind of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Picture tender chunks of juicy chicken swimming in a velvety, rich sauce that coats every single strand of spaghetti like it was meant to be there. This is the dish that shows up to potlucks and gets completely demolished while people ask for the recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest — the kind that makes you close your eyes on the first bite and just say “mmmmm.” My kids call it “the good pasta” and honestly? They’re not wrong.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta & Chicken:

1 lb spaghetti (or your favorite long pasta)
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika

For the Creamy Dream Sauce:

4 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth (good quality stuff)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sour cream (room temperature is key)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional But Amazing:

1 can diced tomatoes, drained (adds a nice pop)
1/2 cup frozen peas (color and nutrition)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

Step 1: Get That Pasta Going

Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.

Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining (trust me on this).

Drain and set aside — don’t rinse it.

Step 2: Chicken Time

Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Remove chicken and set aside (don’t worry about cleaning the pan).

Step 3: Build That Base

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Magic Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes (this cooks out the flour taste).

Slowly whisk in chicken broth, making sure no lumps form.

Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Cream Dream

Lower heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream.

Add room temperature sour cream (cold sour cream will curdle, so let it sit out first).

Stir in both cheeses until melted and smooth.

Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add cooked chicken back to the sauce.

Toss in the cooked spaghetti and gently combine until every strand is coated.

If it seems too thick, add pasta water a little at a time until perfect.

If using peas or tomatoes, stir them in now.

Step 7: Serve and Conquer

Taste and adjust seasoning — more salt? More cheese? Live your best life.

Serve immediately topped with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.

Watch people’s faces light up with pure joy.

Notes

Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for the full comfort food experience.

Add some steamed broccoli on the side to balance out all that creamy goodness.

A glass of white wine doesn’t hurt either — this is fancy comfort food, after all.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
Protein: ~28g