Description
Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti is a deliciously cheesy and spicy pasta dish combining tender shredded chicken, melted cream cheese, jalapeños, and a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses all tossed with al dente spaghetti. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce and Veggies
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the butter and olive oil until melted and hot. Add the diced onion and jalapeños, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and blends into a smooth sauce. Add sour cream, milk, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and all the cheeses are melted.
- Add Chicken and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and half of the crumbled bacon. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Heat Through: Continue cooking the pasta mixture over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure everything is warmed through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates or a large dish. Top with the remaining bacon and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient shortcut.
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- To create a firmer, baked casserole-style dish, transfer the prepared mixture to a casserole dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
