Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; 2 tbsp butter (for chicken); 2 tbsp butter (for sauce); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 12 oz spaghetti, cooked; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

I’m not sure there’s a more satisfying dish than tender, golden-seared chicken paired with a pile of creamy, cheesy spaghetti. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is one of those meals that feels like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen, but it’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home. I’ve made this dish for both casual weeknight dinners and more special occasions, and it always disappears fast. The buttery garlic flavor, creamy parmesan sauce, and juicy chicken are simply irresistible.

What makes this recipe extra special is how well all the elements work together—the spaghetti is perfectly coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce, and the chicken bites are seasoned, seared, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that final punch of flavor. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings smiles to the table, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

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

Restaurant-quality flavor: Rich, creamy, garlicky, and full of bold cheesy goodness.
Easy to make: Straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.
Customizable: Works with different pastas, protein swaps, or spice levels.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for feeding hungry family members or impressing guests.
One-pan vibes: While the pasta cooks separately, the chicken and sauce all come together in one skillet for easy cleanup.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

For this dish, I almost always reach for linguine or fettuccine because their flat, wide shape holds onto the creamy sauce so well. But honestly, you can get creative here—spaghetti, angel hair, or even penne will work beautifully. If you want a slightly lighter version, you can opt for zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta, which also add a fun texture twist.

The key is to choose a pasta that won’t get overwhelmed by the richness of the sauce. Anything too delicate might not hold up as well, so I recommend avoiding overly thin noodles unless you’re using a lighter sauce variation.

Options for Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few simple swaps that still deliver amazing results:

Chicken thighs instead of breasts: For more juicy, tender bites with a deeper flavor.
Half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream: Lightens up the sauce a little while keeping it creamy.
Parmesan alternatives: Romano or Asiago cheese adds a sharp, bold kick if you’re out of Parm.
Butter substitutes: Olive oil works just fine if you prefer to skip butter.
Add-ins: Throw in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and color.
Gluten-free pasta: Easily swap with your favorite GF noodles for a completely gluten-free version.

These substitutions help keep the dish fresh and adaptable—perfect for when you’re working with whatever’s in your pantry.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Let’s break down the ingredients and why each one plays an essential role in making this dish taste so good:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for quick searing and a lean protein option. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook evenly and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Salt & black pepper: A basic seasoning that enhances every component of the dish, especially the chicken.
Garlic powder & onion powder: These dry seasonings infuse both the chicken and sauce with deep savory flavor.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and helps the chicken develop that gorgeous golden color.
Butter: Essential for creating a rich, velvety sauce and giving the chicken that buttery sear.
Fresh garlic: Nothing beats the aroma and flavor of fresh garlic sautéed in butter—it’s the foundation of the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: This gives the sauce its luxurious texture and rich taste. It’s what makes the dish feel indulgent.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty, cheesy goodness that thickens the sauce and brings everything together.
Cooked spaghetti: The base that soaks up all the creamy sauce—cooked to al dente for the perfect bite.
Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that balances the richness and adds a pop of color.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into evenly sized, bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure every piece is well coated—this step builds the base flavor for the entire dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and foamy, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes total. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary. Set the cooked chicken aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a little more butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese slowly, letting it melt into the sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce is coming together, cook your spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente. Drain it and save about ½ cup of the pasta water—just in case you want to adjust the sauce later.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta in the Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss gently until every strand is well coated. Add some pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling perfectly.

Step 7: Add Chicken and Garnish

Return the seared chicken to the skillet or serve it alongside the pasta on a large platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and maybe an extra shower of Parmesan right before serving.

How Long to Cook Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

This dish comes together surprisingly fast once everything is prepped. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Chicken: About 6–8 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces and your pan heat. You’re looking for golden brown edges and a fully cooked center (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
Pasta: Typically 8–10 minutes for spaghetti, or whatever your package recommends for al dente.
Sauce: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce takes about 5–7 minutes from sautéing garlic to fully melting the cheese.

Total cook time: Around 25–30 minutes from start to finish.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce gritty. Fresh is always best here.
Sear the chicken in batches: This avoids overcrowding the pan and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
Reserve pasta water: It’s your secret weapon for adjusting sauce texture without losing flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better once it’s mixed with the sauce and chicken.
Stir constantly when making the sauce: Especially when adding cheese. It keeps the sauce creamy and prevents clumping or sticking.
Add parsley at the end: Fresh herbs are most flavorful when added right before serving.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple and indulgent recipe like this one, a few common missteps can sneak in. Keep these in mind for the best results:

Using cold chicken straight from the fridge: Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken doesn’t sear well and can cook unevenly.
Overcrowding the skillet: This causes the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in pale, rubbery bites instead of golden, flavorful ones.
Rushing the sauce: Don’t crank the heat too high—cream can curdle if it boils. Keep it at a gentle simmer while the cheese melts.
Skipping the pasta water: This starchy liquid helps your sauce cling to the noodles and gives it that silky finish. Don’t toss it all!
Using pre-shredded cheese: It’s coated in anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference.
Overcooking the pasta: Mushy noodles won’t hold up in a rich sauce. Go al dente or just under.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti?

This dish is rich and satisfying, so I like to pair it with lighter, fresh sides to balance it all out. Here are my go-to options:

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Lightly sautéed or steamed green beans tossed in garlic butter add a crisp, savory side that doesn’t overpower the main dish.

Simple Arugula Salad

A fresh salad with arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a light lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess and refreshes the palate.

Toasted Garlic Bread

Crunchy, golden garlic bread is always a winner. Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a bright, elegant side.

Roasted Broccoli

Roast it until crispy for a smoky, caramelized veggie side that complements the richness of the pasta.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

If you’re skipping carbs or want a double-cream dinner (no judgment!), creamy cauliflower mash is a dreamy match.

Cucumber-Tomato Salad

Cool, crunchy, and refreshing. A vinegar-based dressing makes it pop next to the savory chicken.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

The lemon and sharp Parmesan balance beautifully with the creamy chicken pasta.

Storage Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish holds up really well with a few simple storage tips:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating brings it right back to life.
Freezer: Not ideal. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and get grainy after freezing, so I don’t recommend it for this dish.
Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat on the stove or microwave in short intervals (stirring between each) until heated through. Add a little splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind that exact values will vary depending on brands and portion sizes, but here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: ~680
Protein: ~40g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~38g
Saturated Fat: ~20g
Cholesterol: ~150mg
Sodium: ~600mg
Sugar: ~3g
Fiber: ~2g

This is definitely a comfort food-style dish, so it’s rich and filling. But it’s also packed with protein and incredibly satisfying, which means a little goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and add it slowly over low heat. High heat or pre-shredded cheese can cause the sauce to break or get gritty.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor. Just trim excess fat and adjust the cook time slightly since they’re more forgiving.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can try unsweetened coconut cream or plant-based heavy cream alternatives, along with vegan Parmesan. The flavor will shift, but it still works for a creamy pasta.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the pasta and sauce separately and combine them when reheating. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a little flour, or even cream cheese thinned with milk as substitutes. Just expect a slightly lighter texture.

Will this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Gluten-free spaghetti or fettuccine works just as well. Just be gentle when tossing it with the sauce, as GF pasta can be more fragile.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Try spinach, broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms—all pair really well with the creamy, cheesy base.

How can I spice it up?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of Cajun seasoning to the sauce or when seasoning the chicken for a little kick.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, flavorful, easy to make, and full of those savory, cheesy, garlicky bites we all crave. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or serving it to impress a few guests, it never disappoints. With minimal effort and ingredients you probably already have, this recipe proves that simple can still be spectacular.