Golden, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic parmesan glaze, paired with buttery spaghetti tangled in a silky cheese sauce—this is comfort food at its absolute finest. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti takes everything you love about cozy dinners and elevates it with bold flavor and effortless indulgence.
Perfectly pan-seared chicken locks in all its juices, while the spaghetti absorbs every bit of creamy, cheesy richness. It’s a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant, yet it’s totally achievable in your own kitchen. Ideal for family dinners or impressing guests, it will quickly become your go-to pasta night hero.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The balance of tender chicken and indulgent pasta means everyone leaves the table happy. It uses simple, wholesome ingredients and delivers deep flavor without a ton of effort.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or treating yourself after a long day, it hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and satisfying. Bonus? It makes for incredible leftovers.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking, make sure your kitchen is prepped with the right tools to streamline the process and lock in flavor:
- Large Non-Stick Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan – Ideal for getting that golden sear on the chicken without sticking.
- Medium Saucepan – Needed for boiling the spaghetti to al dente perfection.
- Whisk – Helps create a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
- Garlic Press – To extract bold garlic flavor easily and quickly.
- Tongs or Wooden Spoon – Essential for flipping chicken evenly and tossing the pasta.
Having these tools on hand ensures a seamless, stress-free cooking session.
Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
- Chicken Breast – Lean and juicy, perfect for searing and soaking up all the buttery garlic flavors.
- Spaghetti – A classic pasta base that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
- Garlic – The heart of the dish, bringing depth and warmth to every bite.
- Heavy Cream – Forms the luxurious base of the cheese sauce, making it ultra-silky.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds nutty, salty sharpness and body to the sauce.
- Butter – Enhances richness and helps cook the chicken to a golden brown.
- Olive Oil – Assists with even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Italian Seasoning – A flavorful mix of herbs to boost the savory profile.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a touch of freshness.


How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Season diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
Step 2: Boil the Spaghetti
While the chicken cooks, boil your spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in grated parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Toss and Combine
Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce needs thinning, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water. Fold in the cooked chicken bites and stir until everything is heated through and coated in sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley and a final sprinkle of parmesan. Serve hot, and watch everyone dig in with delight.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while it’s creamy and warm. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread to make a complete meal.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture.
This recipe does not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a bit more richness. Just ensure they’re boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Reserve some pasta water and add it gradually to the sauce while tossing the spaghetti. It helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, and make sure your parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli mix in beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
What cheese alternatives can I use?
If you’re out of parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or a blend of mozzarella and asiago for extra creaminess.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and cook the pasta last minute for optimal texture.
Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?
If you loved this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti, try out these other reader-favorite recipes from my kitchen:
- Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for a baked twist on your favorite.
- Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce brings the crunch with a savory punch.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken when you want comfort with fewer ingredients.
- Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce if you’re in the mood to mix it up with beef.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a kid-friendly and fun twist.
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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add broccoli or use extra cheese? I love hearing how others bring their own spin to it. If you have any questions, drop them below — let’s cook and learn together!


Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is the perfect comfort food recipe, combining juicy chicken, garlic butter, and cheesy pasta in one dish. This quick chicken pasta recipe is creamy, rich, and ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken breast, diced
8 ounces spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and sear until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a light simmer.
6. Whisk in parmesan cheese gradually until smooth and creamy.
7. Add spaghetti to the sauce and toss well. Add reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
8. Fold in the cooked chicken and combine everything evenly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Don’t overcook the garlic—sauté until just golden to avoid bitterness.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
