Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Spaghetti

There’s something magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. For me, that’s my creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy spaghetti. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the most incredible smells—garlic sizzling in butter, parmesan melting into a velvety sauce, and that comforting aroma of cheesy pasta bubbling away. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s become a go-to for busy weeknights or when I just need a little comfort food fix.

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to throw together, yet it tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce that’s pure heaven. And the spaghetti? Oh, it’s the perfect cheesy backdrop to soak up all that creamy goodness. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet—except for the occasional “Mmm, this is so good!”

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Listen, I know we all crave those easy, no-fuss dinners that still taste like restaurant-quality comfort food. This dish? It checks every box. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes flat—perfect for those nights when takeout sounds tempting but homemade tastes better.
• Flavor Bomb: Garlic, parmesan, and herbs come together in a creamy sauce that’ll have you licking the spoon.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, picky eaters, foodies—everyone goes wild for cheesy spaghetti smothered in that garlicky chicken goodness.
• Comfort Food Magic: It’s like mac and cheese grew up and got sophisticated, but stayed cozy and familiar.

Seriously, this is the kind of recipe you’ll scribble on a stained notecard because you’ll make it that often.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Spaghetti

Okay, let me tell you what you’ll need—these are the ingredients that make magic happen in this dish. I’m a stickler for quality here, especially when it comes to that parmesan!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each—don’t skip pounding them to even thickness!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for that perfect golden sear)
• 2 tablespoons butter (real butter only—none of that margarine business)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (yes, fresh—trust me, the jarred stuff won’t give you the same punch)
• 1 cup heavy cream (this is what makes the sauce luxuriously silky)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated, please—it melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—this sauce needs seasoning)
• 8 oz spaghetti (I like thick spaghetti here—holds up to that rich sauce)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that perfect stretchy cheesiness)

See? Nothing fancy—just good, honest ingredients that work together beautifully.

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How to Make Creamy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Spaghetti

Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together so easily—just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time. I’ll walk you through each part, from perfectly cooked pasta to that dreamy sauce.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

First things first—get that pasta going! Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil (it should taste like the sea). Toss in your spaghetti and cook it just until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. You want it to still have a little bite because it’ll keep cooking when we mix everything later. Drain it, but save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water—trust me, it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy! When the oil’s shimmering (test it with a drop of water—if it sizzles, you’re good), add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Pro tip: Don’t move the chicken around too much while it’s searing—that gorgeous golden crust needs undisturbed contact with the pan!

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In that same skillet (all those browned bits equal flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, then whisk in the parmesan, oregano, and basil. Keep stirring constantly as it simmers and thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. If it gets too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning—this is where I usually add another pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now for the magic! Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can mingle. Meanwhile, toss your drained spaghetti with the mozzarella until it’s all melty and perfect. Serve the chicken over that glorious cheesy spaghetti, drizzling extra sauce over top. I always finish mine with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and some fresh herbs if I’m feeling fancy. Dinner is served!

For another creamy pasta dinner the whole family will devour, check out this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken—it’s loaded with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Spaghetti

After making this dish countless times (and taste-testing every version!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to take it from good to knock-your-socks-off amazing:

• Freshly grate that parmesan! The pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make your sauce grainy. A block of good Parmigiano-Reggiano and 60 seconds with a grater make all the difference.
• Pound your chicken evenly – I use a rolling pin between plastic wrap. Thinner pieces cook faster and stay juicier.
• Underseasoned sauce? Fix it! If your sauce tastes flat, a pinch of garlic powder or splash of lemon juice wakes it right up.
• Don’t rush the sear – That golden crust on the chicken adds deep flavor to your entire dish. Wait for the sizzle!

Oh, and always make extra – this disappears fast!

Variations for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Spaghetti

One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can tweak it to suit what you’ve got in the fridge or dietary needs. Here are some of my go-to swaps that still deliver on flavor:

• Lighter cream sauce: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour (just simmer a bit longer to thicken).
• Pasta alternatives: Gluten-free spaghetti works great, or try fettuccine for extra sauce clinging power.
• Protein switch-up: Chicken thighs add richer flavor, or use shrimp for a quick seafood twist (cook just 2-3 minutes per side!).
• Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes when mixing the sauce and pasta.

The beauty is—it’s still that same comforting dish, just with your personal touch!

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the chicken and spaghetti separately in airtight containers in the fridge—they’ll keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I like to warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. For the spaghetti, a quick zap in the microwave (covered, with a damp paper towel) works wonders. Just stir halfway through to keep it creamy. Trust me, it’s just as good the second time around!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Now, let’s be real—this is comfort food at its finest, so it’s not exactly a salad! But for those keeping track, here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1 chicken breast with spaghetti): approximately 580 calories, 38g protein, 35g carbs, and 32g fat. Remember, these are estimates—your exact amounts may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Everything in moderation, right?

And if you love saving quick and cheesy pasta ideas, browse our Pinterest packed with creamy chicken and pasta recipes you’ll want on repeat.

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