Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti

There’s something about a big, cheesy, soul-warming dish that takes me right back to my childhood. Growing up, Sundays were for big family dinners, and my mom had a knack for whipping up the most comforting meals. One dish that always had the whole house smelling like heaven was her chicken spaghetti. It wasn’t just food—it was a warm hug, a reminder that no matter how chaotic the week had been, we’d always gather around the table for something special.

Fast forward a few years (okay, decades), and I found myself craving that same nostalgia but with a little Pioneer Woman twist. Enter this Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti—an easy, stovetop version that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness and just a touch of spice. Ree Drummond’s recipes have a way of making even the simplest ingredients feel like a special occasion, and I knew I wanted to channel that magic into my own version.

The first time I made this, my kids were skeptical. “Spaghetti… but with chicken?” they asked, wrinkling their noses. But one bite in, and they were hooked. Now, it’s one of our go-to Pioneer Woman dinner recipes main courses, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when comfort food is a must. And let me tell you—nothing beats twirling a forkful of creamy, cheesy, spicy chicken spaghetti while sitting in your comfiest sweatpants.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite
   This dish is the definition of comfort food—melty cheese, tender chicken, and a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti perfectly. If you love the rich flavors of Pioneer Woman lasagna recipes but want something quicker and easier, this one’s a winner.
   
2. Easy Stovetop Recipe
   No baking required! This stovetop chicken spaghetti comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for nights when you need something quick but still homemade and delicious.
   
3. Just the Right Amount of Spice
   Thanks to Rotel tomatoes and a dash of cayenne, this isn’t your average bland chicken spaghetti recipe. It has just enough heat to keep things interesting, making it the perfect spicy chicken spaghetti for those who love a little kick.
   
4. A Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite
   Whether you’ve got picky eaters or cheese lovers in your house, this dish is a guaranteed hit. It’s the kind of meal that gets everyone running to the table—no complaints, just happy, satisfied faces.
   
5. Great for Leftovers
   This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. The flavors get even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to double the batch and enjoy easy lunches throughout the week.
   
6. Customizable to Your Taste
   Prefer a different cheese? Want to add some veggies? This recipe is easy to tweak based on what you have in your fridge. Monterey chicken spaghetti is a great variation if you want to switch up the flavors a bit.
   
7. A Pioneer Woman Classic, With a Twist
   Inspired by Ree Drummond chicken spaghetti but simplified for busy cooks, this dish gives you all the Pioneer Woman spaghetti sauce goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
   
8. Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved
   My kids devour this every time, and I love that it sneaks in some protein while still feeling like a treat. If you have little ones who love Pioneer Woman chicken noodle soup, they’ll love this creamy, cheesy twist on spaghetti.
   

Ingredients for the Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 oz spaghetti
  
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
  
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (mild or spicy, your choice)
  
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  
• 1 cup whole milk
  
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• 2 tablespoons butter
  
• 1/2 cup diced onion
  
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  

Equipment Needed:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
  
• Large skillet or deep saucepan
  
• Wooden spoon or spatula
  
• Cheese grater (if using fresh cheese)
  

Cooking Instructions for the Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Veggies
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
   Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
   
4. Add the Chicken and Cheese
   Toss in the shredded chicken and mix well. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
   
5. Combine with Spaghetti
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until fully coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
   
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Dish it up hot, garnish with a little extra cheese if desired, and enjoy every cozy, comforting bite!
   

Notes and Tips

1. Want It Extra Creamy?
   Add an extra 1/2 cup of milk or a splash of heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
   
2. Make It a One-Pot Meal
   Skip the extra dishes by cooking everything in one large pot. Just boil the pasta first, then drain and set aside while making the sauce in the same pot.
   
3. Add Some Veggies
   If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, try adding mushrooms, peas, or even spinach. They blend beautifully with the flavors.
   
4. Turn It Into a Casserole
   If you have extra time, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.
   
5. Spice It Up!
   If you love a kick, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to make it even spicier.
   
6. Storage and Reheating
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
   

Macronutrients Count Per Serving

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
  
• Protein: 30g
  
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  
• Fats: 20g
  
• Fiber: 3g
  
• Sodium: 850mg
  

Pro Tips for the Recipe

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
   Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful, tender, and perfect for this dish.
   
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
   Cook the spaghetti just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
   
3. Grate Your Own Cheese
   Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese makes a world of difference!
   
4. Customize the Spice Level
   Adjust the cayenne pepper and Rotel tomatoes based on your heat preference. Want it milder? Use a mild Rotel. Love spice? Add extra jalapeños!
   
5. Add a Crunchy Topping
   For a fun texture contrast, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs on top before serving.
   
6. Make It Ahead of Time
   This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
   

Kitchen Queries & Cooking Confessions

1. What are the best side dishes to serve with this recipe?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything, store it in an airtight container, and reheat on the stovetop with a little extra milk to restore creaminess.

3. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat spaghetti, low-fat cheese, and swap out the cream soups for a homemade Greek yogurt-based sauce.

4. Can I bake this instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
Yes! Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.

5. What other cheese can I use?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend work great in place of cheddar for a different twist.

6. Can I make this dish without canned soups?
Yes! You can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth for a fresher take.

Final Forkful: Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy, cheesy dish, this recipe delivers. So grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every bite of this comforting classic!