Creamy Filipino Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious twist on the traditional Italian classic rich, creamy, slightly sweet, and full of Filipino comfort! Made with tender chicken, tomato sauce, milk or cream, and a touch of sugar, this beloved Filipino pasta dish perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors.
It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table nostalgic, hearty, and perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uniquely Filipino Flavor – A creamy, sweet-savory sauce that stands out.
- Family Favorite – Perfect for celebrations and everyday meals.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Comforting & Creamy – A taste of home in every bite.
- Customizable – Add hotdogs, cheese, or veggies to your liking.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomato sauce
- ¼ cup tomato ketchup (Filipino-style or banana ketchup for sweetness)
- ½ cup evaporated milk or all-purpose cream
- 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup grated quick-melt or cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 3–4 sliced hotdogs (Filipino-style)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- Extra cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, drizzle with oil, and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat butter or oil. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. - Add Tomato Base:
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat. - Make It Creamy:
Add evaporated milk or cream, cheese, and cooked chicken. Mix well and simmer until sauce thickens. - Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated and creamy. - Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with grated cheese and serve hot. Perfect for parties or cozy dinners!
How to Serve
- Plating Tips: Top with extra shredded cheese for that signature Filipino-style look.
- Side Pairings: Serve with garlic bread or fried chicken for a festive meal.
- Leftover Uses: Reheat in the pan with a splash of milk or make a creamy pasta bake.
- Beverage Pairing: Great with iced tea, fruit juice, or soda.
Additional Tips
- Use banana ketchup for authentic Filipino sweetness.
- Stir sauce gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Add chopped hotdogs for that childhood-style spaghetti flavor.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness to taste every Filipino family has its own balance!
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or spicy ketchup.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella for a stretchy, creamy texture.
- Veggie Boost: Add carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Baked Style: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Pasta pot
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie or boiled chicken works perfectly.
Can I replace cream with milk?
Yes, but add a bit of cheese for thickness and creaminess.
Why is Filipino spaghetti sweet?
The sweetness comes from banana ketchup and sugar a signature Filipino flavor!
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely ground beef works perfectly and adds a richer, meatier flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Filipino Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion of creamy, cheesy, and sweet-savory goodness the kind of pasta that warms hearts and brings smiles. Perfect for celebrations or weeknight cravings, it’s a true Filipino comfort food classic you’ll want to make again and again.
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Creamy Filipino Chicken Spaghetti: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Creamy Filipino Chicken Spaghetti is a sweet and savory twist on a classic. Packed with chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and Filipino-style ketchup, this comforting pasta dish is perfect for family dinners or parties.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp oil
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp butter or oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, shredded or diced
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomato sauce
¼ cup tomato ketchup (Filipino-style or banana ketchup)
½ cup evaporated milk or all-purpose cream
1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
½ cup grated quick-melt or cheddar cheese
½ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
3–4 sliced hotdogs
½ cup diced bell peppers
Extra cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, drizzle with oil, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat butter or oil. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add evaporated milk or cream, cheese, and cooked chicken. Mix and simmer until sauce thickens.
6. Add spaghetti to the sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated.
7. Top with grated cheese and serve hot.
Notes
Use banana ketchup for authentic Filipino sweetness.
Add hotdogs for nostalgic flavor.
Adjust sugar to taste depending on ketchup used.
This dish is also great baked with extra cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg