🍝 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti – Creamy, Comforting, and Irresistibly Good

There are few things as comforting as a big bowl of pasta, and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. With tender bites of juicy chicken tossed in a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, this recipe combines restaurant-worthy flavor with everyday simplicity.

It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without requiring dozens of ingredients, and ready in under 30 minutes—making it a weeknight hero you’ll want on repeat.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

• Creamy & Flavorful: Each strand of spaghetti is coated in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce.
• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in less than 30 minutes.
• Family Favorite: Kid-friendly, adult-approved comfort food.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for restaurant-style results.
• Versatile: Works with spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine.

This dish is a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients—garlic, Parmesan, cream, and butter—can come together to create something incredibly satisfying.

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

🔪 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season & Cook the Chicken:
   Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
4. Add Cream & Cheese:
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using.
5. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Add the Chicken:
   Slice the cooked chicken and add it on top of the pasta. Toss gently to combine or serve the chicken slices over the spaghetti.
7. Serve & Garnish:
   Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately while warm.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 0.25 cup pasta water reserved
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Pot for pasta

Method

 

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in olive oil for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Toss spaghetti in sauce, adding pasta water to loosen if needed.
6. Slice chicken and add to pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce. Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.

🧀 Pro Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Perfection

• Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy. Grate your own for a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter—keep the heat moderate.
• Save the Pasta Water: It’s a secret weapon for achieving a silky sauce consistency.
• Add a Protein Twist: Swap chicken for shrimp or grilled salmon for a delicious variation.
• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.

🌿 Delicious Variations

• Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Spinach & Mushroom Version: Stir in sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for a veggie boost.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Bacon Lovers’ Dream: Mix in crisp bacon bits for a smoky, savory upgrade.

🍷 Serving Suggestions

Pair this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with:

• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A glass of chilled white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)

It’s a dish that feels fancy but is effortless to make—perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights at home.

🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
• To Freeze: Store cooked pasta and sauce separately for best texture.

🧠 Fun Fact

Did you know Parmesan cheese is aged for at least 12 months (and sometimes over 3 years)? That’s what gives it its signature nutty, savory flavor—perfect for creamy pasta sauces like this one!

💛 Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special—creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying.

With its rich garlic-Parmesan sauce coating every strand of spaghetti and tender, juicy chicken on top, it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to recipes.

Serve it once, and your family will be asking for it again and again!