There’s something magical about a creamy, comforting pasta dish that brings everyone to the table. My creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy spaghetti is the ultimate weeknight hero – it’s the meal my kids actually cheer for when they smell it cooking. Picture this: golden chicken breasts swimming in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti, all topped with melty mozzarella that stretches beautifully with each forkful.
I first made this dish during one of those “what’s in the fridge?” nights when time was tight but I still wanted something special. The moment that first bite of tender chicken met the rich, garlicky sauce, I knew it was a keeper. Now it’s our go-to for busy evenings, date nights at home, and even impromptu gatherings with friends. The best part? It comes together in just 35 minutes – faster than waiting for pizza delivery!
What makes this recipe stand out is how the simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. The garlic infuses the cream with its bold flavor, while the parmesan adds that perfect salty tang. And let’s be honest – everything’s better when it’s covered in melted cheese. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
Oh, where do I even start? This dish is the whole package—creamy, cheesy, garlicky perfection that’ll make you want to lick the plate clean. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Quick & easy: 35 minutes start to finish—faster than takeout, but so much tastier.
- Rich, cozy flavors: That garlic parmesan sauce? Absolutely dreamy, with just the right kick from red pepper flakes.
- One-pan magic: Brown the chicken, whip up the sauce, and toss the pasta—all in the same skillet (hello, easy cleanup!).
- Family-approved: My picky eaters go crazy for this. The cheesy spaghetti is basically a stealthy veggie carrier (shhh).
Seriously, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy spaghetti is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something special.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most already!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8oz each)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (packed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Heavy cream: Half-and-half works in a pinch, but your sauce won’t be quite as luxurious. Don’t use milk—it’ll break when simmering!
Parmesan: Please, please grate it fresh—the powdery stuff in green cans won’t melt properly. Asiago makes a great swap too.
Pasta: Any long noodle works (fettuccine is fab), and gluten-free versions turn out great.
Herbs: Use 1 tbsp fresh basil/oregano if you’ve got it—add at the end.
Chicken: Thighs taste amazing here—just cook 2-3 minutes longer per side.
Equipment Needed
Grab these kitchen essentials—nothing fancy required!
- Large skillet: Stainless steel or cast iron (no non-stick—we want that golden crust!)
- Tongs: For flipping chicken without losing precious crispy bits
- Pasta pot: Big enough to give spaghetti room to dance
- Microplane or box grater: Freshly grated parm makes all the difference
That’s it! Now let’s make some magic.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff! This dish comes together in three simple stages—each one building layers of flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing. Follow these steps, and you’ll have restaurant-quality creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy spaghetti in no time.
Cooking the Chicken
First things first—give those chicken breasts some love! Pat them dry with paper towels (this is KEY for golden browning). Heat your butter and olive oil in the skillet over medium-high until it shimmers. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, then lay them in the pan—don’t crowd them, or they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden and hit 165°F inside. Transfer to a plate and let them rest while you work on the sauce.
Preparing the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Same skillet, more magic! Toss in the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds—you want fragrant, not burnt. Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently (never boil—cream can break!). Stir in the parmesan, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring as it simmers for 3-4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon beautifully. Oh, that smell? Pure heaven.
Combining with Cheesy Spaghetti
Time for the grand finale! Toss your al dente spaghetti right into that luscious sauce—those starchy pasta water droplets clinging to the noodles will help everything cling. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, then nestle the chicken back in. Cover the skillet and let it work its melty magic for 2-3 minutes. The cheese will get all gooey, the sauce will cling to every strand, and you’ll be ready to dig into the creamiest, cheesiest, most garlicky masterpiece of your dreams.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
After making this dish dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds—we’re obsessed!), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
Salt your pasta water like the sea. Seriously, it should taste like ocean water—this seasons the spaghetti from the inside out. I use about 2 tablespoons kosher salt for my big pasta pot.
Let the chicken rest after cooking—those 5 minutes make all the difference! If you slice too soon, all those juicy drips escape right onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
Taste your sauce before adding the red pepper flakes. My husband likes it spicy, but the kids? Not so much. I usually split the batch—half with flakes, half without.
Undercook your pasta by 1 minute since it’ll keep cooking in the hot sauce. Mushy spaghetti is nobody’s friend!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Oh, let’s talk about turning this already-amazing dish into a full-on feast! A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is non-negotiable—it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce. For something fresh, toss together a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette—the peppery greens cut through the richness beautifully.
When it comes to plating, I love sprinkling extra parmesan on top (because can you ever have too much cheese?) and showering everything with chopped parsley for that pop of color. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes right at the end—it makes the dish look so inviting!
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy spaghetti in an airtight container—it’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken overnight, but that’s an easy fix.
When reheating, go low and slow! Microwave in 30-second bursts with a splash of milk stirred in to bring back that silky texture. My favorite method? Warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat—those crispy edges on the reheated spaghetti are absolute gold.
Want to freeze? Smart move! Just keep the sauce separate from the pasta—thaw overnight in the fridge before reuniting them in a warm skillet. Pro tip: Cook fresh spaghetti when ready to serve—frozen noodles turn mushy.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—your exact counts might vary depending on brands and tweaks. One generous plate of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy spaghetti packs about 680 calories, with a whopping 45g of protein to keep you full and happy. Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent!
FAQ About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
Got questions about this dreamy dish? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Thighs stay extra juicy and add richer flavor. Just cook them 2-3 minutes longer per side—they’re done at 175°F.
Can I make any parts ahead? The sauce keeps beautifully for 2 days in the fridge (just reheat gently). But cook pasta fresh—no one likes soggy noodles!
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick. Whatever you do, don’t use milk—it’ll separate when heated.
Need a gluten-free version? Easy! Just swap in your favorite GF spaghetti—it works like a charm.
Best cheese combo? Parmesan is non-negotiable, but I sometimes mix in asiago for extra nuttiness. And more mozzarella never hurt anyone!
Share Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Creation
I’d love to see your cheesy masterpiece! Snap a pic of that gorgeous golden chicken and tag me—nothing makes me happier than seeing your creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy spaghetti wins. Let’s make this a pasta party!
Print
35-Minute Dreamy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy garlic parmesan sauce, served over cheesy spaghetti.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over spaghetti.
- Return chicken to skillet, nestling it into the spaghetti.
- Cover skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Chicken can be sliced before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, parmesan spaghetti, cheesy pasta, easy dinner
