Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for the Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner! This dish brings all the zesty, cheesy magic of classic jalapeño poppers straight into a bubbling, gloriously creamy spaghetti bake that’s guaranteed to win hearts around your table. Succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and a blend of tangy, melty cheeses come together with just the right kick of jalapeño heat. If your idea of comfort food includes a party of flavors and a little punch, this is the ultimate weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner is chosen for maximum flavor, creaminess, and that signature popper spirit. These staples work together to balance heat, richness, and comfort in every forkful.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The sturdy base that neatly twirls the creamy, cheesy sauce for each delightful bite.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds irresistible richness and helps develop the aromatic veggie base.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Blends with butter for the perfect sauté, preventing burning and infusing lightness.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Builds sweetness and depth, rounding out the bold flavors.
- Jalapeños (2–3, seeded and finely chopped): The star of the show—adjust the quantity and seeds depending on your ideal level of heat!
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds fragrant warmth that pairs beautifully with the cheeses and chicken.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Essential for the ultra-luxurious creamy texture you crave in jalapeño popper fare.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce a velvety tang and keeps things luscious without heaviness.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers bold, gooey flavor that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Monterey Jack cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds mild creaminess and even more melt appeal.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Lightens the sauce just enough and infuses savory notes throughout.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works fabulously, making this dinner super quick.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked & crumbled): Brings salty, smoky crunch to the creamy backdrop—a must for popper lovers!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens and deepens every single ingredient.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle bite to balance the creamy richness.
- Chopped green onions & extra jalapeño slices: The finishing touch for pops of freshness and color when serving.
How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions—aiming for perfectly al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside; they’ll soak up the sauce beautifully later on without getting mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt together the butter and olive oil. Toss in your diced onion and chopped jalapeños, letting them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until deliciously softened and fragrant. Give the garlic a quick minute to bloom, releasing its mouthwatering aroma into the mix.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat, then stir in your cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Watch as everything comes together into a rich, silky sauce. Next, sprinkle in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until the mixture is drool-worthy and smooth.
Step 4: Add Chicken & Bacon
Now for the hearty part—gently fold the shredded chicken and half of the crumbled bacon right into the cheesy sauce. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite is eye-rollingly flavorful.
Step 5: Toss in Spaghetti & Finish
Return your cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in creamy, jalapeño-speckled goodness. Let it all heat together for 2 to 3 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to mingle and thicken.
Step 6: Serve with Flair
Spoon the Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner into bowls, then sprinkle with the remaining bacon, plenty of green onions, and extra jalapeño slices for a restaurant-style flourish.
How to Serve Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner
Garnishes
Fresh green onions, extra jalapeño slices (with or without seeds), and a final shower of shredded cheese will take your Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner from delicious to absolutely irresistible. These garnishes add freshness, color, and even more personality to every serving.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is creamy and rich, it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or even a citrusy slaw. Garlic bread is always welcome, of course, to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, scatter extra cheese on top, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes for an oozy, cheesy crust. Or pile the spaghetti into individual ramekins and broil briefly for fun, single-serve portions that look straight out of a cozy bistro.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner taste just as wonderful the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get deeper and creamier with time.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for later, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creaminess. Just stir well and sprinkle on a little fresh cheese and green onion to freshen things up!
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply use fewer jalapeños or remove all seeds and membranes for a milder dish. You can even substitute mild green chilies for jalapeños if you’re really heat-sensitive.
What’s the best kind of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut here, but any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs will be delicious. Leftover grilled or roast chicken works, too!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free variety. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch.
Can I prepare this Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner ahead of time?
You can! Assemble it up to the point before baking or final heating, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake or heat gently on the stovetop until bubbling and heated through.
Will kids enjoy this recipe?
Most kids love the creamy, cheesy sauce and chicken! If they’re sensitive to heat, use just one jalapeño (or none) and avoid adding extra slices on top.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a new favorite weeknight comfort meal, don’t wait another day to whip up Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner. It’s everything you love about your favorite appetizer, made hearty, creamy, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. Dig in and let every delicious bite bring a little extra joy to your table!
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Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this flavorful and creamy jalapeño popper chicken spaghetti dinner that combines the heat of jalapeños with the richness of cream cheese and cheddar. A perfect comfort meal with a spicy twist!
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- chopped green onions and extra jalapeño slices for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté onion and jalapeños, then add garlic. Lower heat and mix in cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then stir until melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in shredded chicken and half of crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked spaghetti and toss until coated with sauce. Heat through.
- Serve: Top with remaining bacon, green onions, and jalapeño slices before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne.
- This dish can also be baked at 375°F for 15 minutes with extra cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
