Description
Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti is a spicy, cheesy comfort food dish combining tender shredded chicken, a medley of cheeses, jalapeños, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It blends the flavors of classic jalapeño poppers into a hearty pasta meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Protein
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Seasonings and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion and jalapeños for 4–5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts completely and forms a smooth mixture.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Add the sour cream, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously until all cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked shredded chicken and the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Heat Through: Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes on low heat until the entire dish is heated through and flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish reheats very well and can be baked at 350°F for 15–20 minutes with extra cheese on top if desired.
- Bacon is optional and can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Use fresh jalapeños and adjust quantity based on your heat preference.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
