Description

This creamy jalapeño popper chicken spaghetti combines tender chicken breasts, spicy jalapeños, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a hearty and flavorful twist on classic spaghetti. The dish is enhanced with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream, offering a luscious, creamy texture that’s balanced by the heat of fresh jalapeños and a hint of smoky paprika. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken 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 Sauce Ingredients

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Garnishes

1 teaspoon paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Extra shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Sliced jalapeños, for garnish
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Crispy bacon bits, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti and Chicken: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños until they become softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. This will release the bold flavors from the fresh jalapeños and aromatics.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir constantly to combine everything smoothly until the sauce is creamy and well blended. Then fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a rich and cheesy base.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Stir the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the creamy cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly so every strand of pasta is coated. Allow the mixture to cook together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the dish heats evenly.
Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, green onions, and crispy bacon bits to add texture and flavor contrast.

Notes

Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level to your preference.
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer before adding pasta and chicken.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.