Description
CREAMY JALAPEÑO POPPER CHICKEN SPAGHETTI is a rich, cheesy pasta dish combining tender chicken, melted cheddar, and fresh jalapeños for a bold, comforting meal with a spicy twist. This one-pot recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, ideal for quick, satisfying weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Liquids & Broth
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional / Garnishes
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat and shred or dice the chicken.
- Sauté Aromatics and Jalapeños: In the same skillet, add a bit of oil and sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños until softened and fragrant, releasing their bold flavors.
- Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Stir the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Let the mixture cook together for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with extra shredded cheddar, sliced jalapeños, green onions, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh jalapeños for brighter flavor and better control over spice level.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly al dente to avoid mushiness once combined with sauce.
- Softened cream cheese makes the sauce smooth and lump-free.
- This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping or busy nights.
- Add jalapeños gradually to adjust the heat according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet cooking and stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg