Description
This creamy jalapeño popper chicken spaghetti is a deliciously spicy and cheesy twist on traditional comfort food. Featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melted cream cheese, and a touch of jalapeño heat, it comes together in one pan for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Fillings
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Topping (Optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it fully melts and becomes smooth. Next, mix in the sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
- Add cheeses to the sauce: Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they melt completely, forming a rich and creamy sauce.
- Incorporate the chicken and veggies: Fold in the cooked shredded chicken, finely chopped jalapeños, half of the crumbled bacon, and the chopped green onions, mixing gently to distribute all ingredients evenly within the sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cheesy mixture and toss well, ensuring every strand is coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Optional broiling step: For a bubbly and slightly golden top, transfer the chicken spaghetti mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and the remaining bacon. Broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot for a comforting, spicy, and cheesy meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of jalapeños according to your desired spice level.
- For an additional flavor boost, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save cooking time and add convenience.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
