Craving something creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant-level taste to your own kitchen. Picture perfectly seasoned and seared chicken bites, cloaked in a garlic butter herb sauce, paired with velvety spaghetti drenched in a parmesan-rich cream. It’s a dinner that screams indulgence while being deceptively easy to prepare.

Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It combines the savory depth of garlic with the nutty saltiness of parmesan, all rounded out with the smooth silkiness of heavy cream. And when you serve it with golden-seared chicken? Absolute magic.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish as effortlessly as possible, you’ll need the right tools. A heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) is essential for searing the chicken to golden perfection. It distributes heat evenly and builds that flavorful fond that enhances the sauce.

A large saucepan is ideal for boiling the pasta, giving the noodles space to cook evenly without sticking. Don’t forget a fine grater—freshly grated parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded versions. And finally, a good pair of tongs makes mixing the pasta with the creamy sauce a breeze.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking, it soaks up all the garlicky, buttery flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown evenly and adds a fruity note.
Garlic cloves: The heart of the flavor—use fresh for the most intense taste.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich, smooth, and ultra-creamy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key for that nutty, melty texture.
Butter: Adds depth and a luscious mouthfeel to the sauce.
Spaghetti: The perfect vehicle for catching all that creamy sauce.
Parsley: Adds freshness and color.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in your skillet and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant—about a minute. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a low simmer. Stir in grated parmesan gradually, allowing it to melt smoothly. Keep stirring until you get a velvety sauce.

Step 4: Cook and Combine the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water. Toss the spaghetti directly into the sauce, adding pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed for extra silkiness.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything gently with tongs to coat evenly. Sprinkle chopped parsley for a final touch.

Serving & Storing Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Serve this dish hot, right off the stove, for the ultimate creamy texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of garlic green beans.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s luscious texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs add more flavor and stay juicier, just ensure they’re boneless and skinless.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick.

Does this recipe work with other pasta shapes?

Yes, fettuccine, linguine, or even rotini will work—just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Use freshly grated parmesan and stir continuously over low heat to ensure it melts smoothly.

Can I freeze this dish?

Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, freeze the chicken separately and make the sauce fresh when serving.

What herbs go well in this recipe?

Parsley is classic, but basil, oregano, or thyme can add a nice twist to the flavor profile.

Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re all about creamy pasta dinners, you should definitely explore these options next:

The Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is rich and hearty, perfect for cozy nights. Or try the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a spicy, layered twist.

For a skillet option, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta adds a bold heat that balances beautifully with the cream. The Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is another crowd favorite with comforting textures.

And don’t miss the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta if you want a beefy twist that still delivers on that cheesy goodness.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add spinach? Try a different pasta? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others cook it.

And if you’re craving more cozy, creamy recipes, come follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate where I share daily kitchen inspiration.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is a rich, comforting dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken bites seared in garlic butter and paired with spaghetti tossed in a silky parmesan cream sauce. It’s perfect for both weeknights and entertaining, with flavor that always impresses.