Juicy chicken bites seared to golden perfection paired with a creamy, cheesy spaghetti—this dish is what comfort food dreams are made of. The garlic parmesan flavor hugs every bite, and the simplicity of the ingredients makes it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

This recipe brings the elegance of an Italian-inspired pasta dish with the heartiness of seared chicken, creating a meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this is the kind of dish that gets requested again and again.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Spaghetti is a classic choice here because it holds the creamy cheese sauce so well, coating every strand with flavor. You can also use linguine or fettuccine if you prefer something a bit wider and flatter, which helps absorb even more of the delicious sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size chunks gives you juicy, golden bites that soak in all the garlic butter and seasoning.

Spaghetti – This pasta holds the cheesy cream sauce beautifully. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan adds the nutty, salty richness that defines this dish.

Heavy Cream – Brings the luxurious texture to the sauce and blends perfectly with the cheese and garlic.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses both the chicken and the sauce with that classic aromatic kick.

Butter & Olive Oil – A mix for searing the chicken to a perfect crust while keeping it tender and flavorful.

Parsley – Adds a burst of color and a subtle earthiness that finishes the dish.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.

Optional: Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For a little heat, if you love a spicy twist!

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to coat. Then return the seared chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Let it cook together for 2 more minutes so all flavors meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

Serve this dish immediately for the best texture and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use grilled chicken instead of seared for less fat.

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a smoother texture, but pre-shredded can work in a pinch.

What other pasta can I use?

Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate when reheated after freezing.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all! But if you like a kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions without overpowering the flavor.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti, you’ll definitely enjoy these other savory dishes:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go for red pepper flakes or keep it mellow? Did you try adding spinach?

I love seeing your takes on these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, faster, and yummier.

For even more delicious ideas, visit my Pinterest board here: Life with Nina Pinterest Recipes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American-Italian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is a comforting and flavor-packed meal made with juicy golden chicken bites and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an easy dinner that feels gourmet, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.

4. Lower the heat and mix in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water. Drain well.

6. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the garlic parmesan sauce until coated. Add the chicken back in and stir to combine. Let cook for 2 more minutes to blend flavors.

7. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot.