Transform your dinner routine with savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti, where tender chicken and rich cream sauce coat every strand of pasta. This comforting one-pan dish comes together in just 30 minutes for a simple family meal that’s endlessly satisfying.
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Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
For the pasta
- Spaghetti – Use your favorite brand or whatever’s in your pantry.
For the chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
For seasoning
- Kosher Salt – It’s worth it for its clean, balanced flavor.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground is always a win.
For cooking
- Olive Oil – A good drizzle to get that chicken golden and delicious.
For the sauce
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Minced fresh for the best flavor. It’s the star here!
- All-Purpose Flour – This creates the perfect roux to thicken the sauce.
- Whole Milk – Makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
- Heavy Cream – Because why not take it up a notch?
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is a must for that sharp, nutty flavor.
For garnish
- Fresh Parsley – A pop of green and freshness to finish it off.
- Extra Parmesan Cheese – Because you can never have too much!
Cook Time for Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
I love how quickly this family favorite comes together. It’s one of those weeknight dinner recipes that feels fancy but is so simple to pull off. You can have this creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with chicken on the table in no time.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
For another quick and flavorful meal, check out my lemon chicken that’s ready in about the same time.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan
Let’s walk through each step together. I promise, making this savory spaghetti with parmesan sauce is easier than you think.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water, and set both aside. The pasta should be tender but firm to the bite.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the cubed chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly softened. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth, golden-brown roux.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and has a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine
Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. The sauce should be rich and slightly glossy.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked spaghetti, reserved chicken, and chopped parsley to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
After making this pan-seared chicken in garlic cream countless times for my family, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better. Here’s how you can make it your own.
- For a flavor swap, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright kick. It really wakes up the whole dish.
- If you’re looking for a diet tweak, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still delicious. For more lean protein ideas, my easy grilled chicken breast is a great option.
- To fix the texture, always reserve that starchy pasta water! It’s the secret to getting the sauce to cling perfectly to every strand of spaghetti.
- For storage, this dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the creamy sauce back to life. For another great make-ahead meal, try this garlic chicken breast.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp kosher salt divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- measuring cups
Method
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then set both aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the cubed chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a paste, which is called a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti, reserved chicken, and chopped parsley to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this creamy garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti is certainly a comforting indulgence, it also offers some solid nutritional benefits that make me feel good about serving it to my family. Let’s break down what makes this dish both satisfying and nourishing.
Chicken breast provides a fantastic source of lean protein that helps keep us full and supports muscle health. According to Harvard’s nutrition experts, poultry can be part of a balanced diet when prepared thoughtfully. The garlic in our sauce isn’t just for flavor – it’s been used for centuries in traditional cooking for its potential health properties.
Parmesan cheese adds calcium and protein, while the olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. I love that this dish combines comfort with nutrition – it’s a chicken pasta that satisfies both our taste buds and our bodies. For another nutrient-packed option, try my honey garlic salmon which offers those beneficial omega-3s.
A Lighter Version of This Weeknight Dinner Recipe
If you’re watching your calories or prefer a lighter touch, this garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti adapts beautifully with a few simple swaps. I’ve made these adjustments countless times when I want something comforting but a bit gentler on the waistline.
Instead of heavy cream, try using half-and-half or even whole milk combined with a tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening. You can reduce the butter by half and increase the garlic for that robust flavor we all love. For the cheese, a high-quality freshly grated Parmesan goes further in flavor, so you can use less without sacrificing taste.
I often add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes to bulk up the dish with nutrients and fiber. These garlic butter mushrooms would be perfect stirred right into the sauce. For another lightened-up favorite, my cilantro lime chicken offers bright flavors without heavy sauces.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I know how important it is to adapt family favorites for different dietary needs – my cousin manages her blood sugar carefully, so I’ve learned to tweak recipes while keeping all the comfort and flavor. Here’s how I make this dish work for various eating plans.
For those watching sugar intake or managing diabetes, you can make this garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti more blood sugar friendly by using whole wheat or chickpea pasta for slower digestion. The sauce already uses no added sugar, but you can enhance flavors with extra herbs and spices instead of salt. I sometimes use a natural sweetener like stevia in the tiny amount needed to balance the tomatoes if I add them.
Portion control is key – I serve smaller portions with a big green salad on the side. For gluten-free needs, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your flour substitute is GF. Remember, the goal is enjoying food that loves you back!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
I’ll never forget the first time I served this dish to my book club – the room went quiet except for the happy sounds of forks scraping plates. There’s something magical about how this creamy garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti brings people together around the table.
For sides, I love pairing this rich pasta with something crisp and fresh. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser – my Caprese garlic bread adds a lovely fresh twist. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the savory flavors perfectly.
When I’m serving this for a special occasion, I garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan, and sometimes add a crispy garlic chicken thigh on top for contrasting texture. However you serve it, this dish always feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve made every possible mistake with this garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti recipe – and learned from each one! I remember serving it to my neighbor Margot one evening, and the sauce had separated into a greasy mess. She was too polite to say anything, but her fork moved slower than usual. Here are the common pitfalls I’ve discovered so you can avoid them.
First, never add cold cream to a hot pan – it will likely curdle and ruin your creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Always temper it by adding a spoonful of hot sauce to the cream first. Second, don’t overcrowd your chicken when searing. Those beautiful golden-brown bits create foundation flavor, and steamed chicken just won’t deliver the same depth.
Third, avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese. It contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated cheese melts into silky perfection. For perfectly cooked chicken every time, check out my tips for garlic chicken breast. According to culinary experts, garlic’s flavor develops best when cooked gently rather than blasted with high heat.
Finally, don’t forget to reserve pasta water! That starchy liquid is gold for adjusting your sauce consistency at the end. These small adjustments will transform your weeknight dinner recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
This garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti holds a special place in my heart because it was the first meal I ever made for my now-husband when we were dating. I was so nervous that I doubled the recipe – we ate leftovers for three days and fell more in love with each passing meal. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
For storage, let the dish cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. The pasta will absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to loosen it up.
You can also freeze this chicken spaghetti recipe for up to 3 months. I portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy single servings. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For another great make-ahead option, my lemon chicken tray bake works beautifully for meal prep. If you’re craving something different, these chicken burgers also freeze wonderfully for quick dinners.
Try This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti Yourself
I can’t wait for you to experience the comfort and joy this garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti brings to the table. There’s something magical about how the creamy sauce coats each strand of pasta, how the garlic perfumes your kitchen, how the Parmesan creates that perfect savory finish. This dish has seen me through busy weeknights, celebratory dinners, and everything in between.
I remember my daughter’s face when she took her first bite at age six – her eyes widened, and she declared it “restaurant food.” Now she requests it every birthday. That’s the power of a truly great recipe: it becomes part of your family story.
Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a crowd, or need comfort after a long day, this creamy garlic Parmesan creation will never let you down. For more pasta inspiration, try my spicy garlic penne pasta or this spicy garlic penne variation. If you loved the chicken preparation, my easy grilled chicken breast and BBQ chicken breasts offer delicious alternatives. For another creamy favorite, don’t miss my honey garlic butter sauce that works wonders on both chicken and pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garlic Parmesan chicken spaghetti recipe?
You’ve found it! This entire article walks you through making the most delicious garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti from scratch. The recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that coats al dente spaghetti perfectly. It’s our family’s favorite weeknight dinner recipe that feels special enough for company.
Garlic Parmesan chicken spaghetti in Spicy Cajun cream sauce?
While this particular recipe doesn’t include Cajun spices, you can easily add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the chicken when cooking. The spicy notes would complement the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce beautifully. Just add the seasoning when you season the chicken with salt and pepper before searing.
Easy garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti?
This is designed to be incredibly easy! The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients. The key is cooking the chicken and sauce in the same pan to build flavor without extra cleanup. For another simple favorite, try my lemon chicken that’s equally quick and delicious.
Garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti no cream?
You can make a creamless version by using whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of cornstarch. The sauce will be lighter but still delicious. Alternatively, blend cooked cauliflower with chicken broth and Parmesan for a creamy texture without dairy. The garlic and Parmesan will still provide fantastic flavor.
Garlic Parmesan chicken spaghetti in spicy three-cheese Cajun cream sauce recipe?
That sounds delicious! For a three-cheese version, try adding some asiago and romano along with the Parmesan. Add Cajun seasoning to taste, starting with 1 teaspoon and adjusting upward. The combination of spicy Cajun flavors with multiple cheeses would create an incredibly rich and complex dish.
TikTok garlic Parmesan chicken pasta?
While this isn’t specifically a TikTok recipe, it shares the same appeal of being visually appealing, quick to make, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully for those perfect food video moments. It’s definitely share-worthy whether you’re filming or just enjoying at home!
Garlic chicken spaghetti?
Yes, that’s exactly what this is! The garlic shines through in both the seared chicken and the creamy sauce, making it the star flavor. We use fresh garlic rather than powder for the most vibrant taste. The spaghetti soaks up all that glorious garlicky goodness in every bite.
Buffalo Wild Wings garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe?
While this isn’t a copycat recipe, it captures that same irresistible combination of tender chicken and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that makes restaurant versions so popular. Homemade lets you control the quality of ingredients and adjust the garlic level to your preference. I think you’ll find this version even more satisfying!
More Cozy Chicken Dinners You’ll Love
If this garlic parmesan chicken spaghetti warmed your heart, wait until you try these other family favorites. Each one brings its own special comfort to the table.
Honey Garlic Salmon – Sweet and savory glazed salmon that comes together in minutes with minimal cleanup.
Cilantro Lime Chicken – Bright, zesty chicken with fresh herb flavors that taste like sunshine on a plate.
Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken – Impressive enough for date night but easy enough for Tuesday dinner.
Caprese Garlic Bread – The perfect side dish that turns ordinary pasta night into something extraordinary.
