If you’re craving a dinner that’s pure comfort with a spicy twist, Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti is about to check every box. This dish takes everything you love about jalapeño poppers – creamy cheese, smoky bacon, that satisfying hit of heat – and swirls it into a luscious, cheesy pasta toss with tender chicken and plenty of melty goodness. It’s a joyful weeknight meal with just enough heat and personality to wow your family or friends!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti comes from a handful of absolutely essential ingredients. Each element brings either creaminess, smoky flavor, a pop of heat, or that satisfying pull of melted cheese, created to deliver a restaurant-worthy bite—right from your own kitchen.
- Spaghetti: The sturdy base that soaks up every bit of that creamy sauce; use your favorite brand, or swap for gluten-free if needed.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sautéed veggies and helps kickstart the sauce with a silky texture.
- Bacon: Chopped bacon delivers unbeatable smoky, salty crunch to every plate—don’t skip it!
- Onion: A hint of sweetness as it cooks, balancing out the kick from the jalapeños.
- Jalapeños: The signature spicy pop; dial the quantity up or down and remove seeds as needed for your preferred heat level.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with deep, irresistible aroma.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that decadent, signature creamy sauce that wraps every strand of spaghetti.
- Sour Cream: Brings tanginess and helps lighten the sauce so it’s not too heavy.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor and super melty—classic for both jalapeño poppers and this dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: That irresistible stretch and gooey factor you want in any comfort pasta.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie or poached chicken makes this dish hearty and satisfying, and it’s a great way to use leftovers.
- Chicken Broth (or reserved pasta water): Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding depth of flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Necessary to round out all the flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions or Parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that makes each serving pop.
How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous sprinkle of salt, and cook the spaghetti until just al dente according to the package directions. When draining, don’t forget to save half a cup of the starchy pasta water—this trick will help create the velvety smooth sauce later. Set the drained pasta aside for now.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet, add the chopped bacon, and cook over medium heat. Keep an eye (and an ear) on it—when the bacon pieces are browned and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel–lined plate so they stay crunchy. Don’t wipe out the skillet; those bacon drippings are gold for the next step!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add butter directly into the warm bacon drippings in the skillet. Toss in your finely chopped onion and jalapeños, and cook for three to four minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and soft. For a gentler heat, be sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeños; add a few seeds for extra kick if you’re feeling brave!
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Now the real magic of Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti begins. Lower the heat and stir in the minced garlic—just thirty seconds will do to bloom its flavor without burning. Add your cream cheese and keep stirring gently until it’s melty and completely smooth. Follow up by blending in the sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Give everything a good stir as the cheese melts to create the ultimate luscious sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water or chicken broth as you stir, adjusting to reach your desired sauce thickness. Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti right into the skillet, folding everything together with a big spoon or tongs until every strand is drenched in creamy, cheesy sauce. Taste, then season with salt and black pepper as needed for balance.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top of the pasta for an irresistible finish. Shower with chopped green onions or a flurry of parsley just before serving, adding fresh crunch and a burst of color. Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti is best enjoyed hot and bubbly!
How to Serve Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti
Garnishes
This isn’t a dish you want to serve plain! A scatter of crispy bacon, fresh green onions, or parsley brings brightness and color, and a final sprinkle of cheddar or mozzarella on top never hurts. For extra pizzazz, consider a little diced jalapeño for those who like things bold.
Side Dishes
Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti is rich and satisfying, so pair it with light sides. A simple salad of crisp romaine, cucumber, and tomatoes with a tangy vinaigrette provides the perfect balance. Buttery garlic bread or a platter of steamed broccoli are also fantastic to round out your meal and soak up every drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving the Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a bistro-inspired touch. For a family-style dinner, bake the finished pasta in a casserole dish, top with a little extra cheese and bacon, then broil until golden and bubbly. It’s comfort food with instant wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The creamy sauce may thicken a bit but can be revived with a splash of milk or broth during reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage—just allow the pasta to cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. For best texture, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The cream cheese sauce will remain rich, though it may need a little extra stirring or a dash of broth after thawing to return it to silky-smooth.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce looks too thick. To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven taste, top with some reserved bacon and a little cheese before reheating, then finish with fresh green onions for garnish.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver, and its tender texture works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred and toss it in—no need for extra seasoning.
How spicy is this dish with the listed number of jalapeños?
With two to three jalapeños (seeds removed), the heat level is pleasantly mild to moderate. For more heat, leave in some seeds or sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper; for less, use just two peppers and remove all seeds and membranes.
What if I don’t have mozzarella or cheddar—can I substitute?
Yes! Substitute with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Mexican cheese blends. Each adds a slightly different flavor profile but will still deliver that rich, creamy finish.
Can I make Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free?
Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?
To make a lighter version, try using light cream cheese and light sour cream. You could also use turkey bacon and swap half of the pasta for spiralized zucchini or extra veggies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something outrageously fun about the bold flavors and gooey comfort of Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti. If you love a creamy pasta that packs a little heat and a lot of personality, you’re going to want this recipe in your rotation. Try it, share it, and get ready for rave reviews at the dinner table!
Print
Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and spicy goodness of this Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Spaghetti. A satisfying pasta dish loaded with flavors of jalapeños, cream cheese, and shredded chicken, topped with crispy bacon and cheese.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare spaghetti according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and jalapeños until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat, add cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella. Thin with broth or pasta water.
- Combine and Serve: Add chicken and pasta to sauce, season, and serve topped with bacon and herbs.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeño seeds or red pepper flakes.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
- You can bake the dish in a casserole with extra cheese for variation.
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