If you love creamy pasta packed with bold flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is about to win a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Tender parmesan-crusted chicken, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti come together to create a comforting, restaurant-quality meal. It’s rich but balanced, cozy but elegant—perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy garlic Parmesan sauce made from scratch
- Tender, golden chicken with a flavorful crust
- Ready in 45 minutes—perfect for weeknights
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Restaurant-style taste using simple ingredients
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (2 large, sliced): Lean protein that sears beautifully and adds heartiness.
- Spaghetti (340 g): Classic pasta base that absorbs the creamy sauce well.
- Olive oil (15 ml): Helps sear the chicken and adds richness.
- Butter (56 g, divided): Essential for browning, sautéing, and giving the sauce its silky texture.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic depth and essential flavor.
- Cajun seasoning (1.5 tsp): Adds mild heat and savory complexity.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Offers warm, smoky notes.
- Salt (1 tsp) & black pepper (1/8 tsp): Enhances all flavors.
- Italian seasoning (½ tsp): Adds an herby, classic pasta flavor.
- Dried basil (½ tsp): Brings a sweet, fragrant touch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional): For a spicy kick.
- Grated Parmesan (60 g for chicken crust): Forms the golden coating on the chicken.
- Heavy cream (360 ml): Creates the luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth (180 ml, low sodium): Balances richness and adds savory flavor.
- Mozzarella (110 g, shredded): Melts into the sauce for creaminess.
- Sharp cheddar (110 g, shredded): Adds tang and extra flavor depth.
- Grated Parmesan (75 g for sauce): Enhances savory, cheesy richness.
- Cream cheese (57 g, softened): Thickens the sauce and makes it extra velvety.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish and freshness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken strips dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Press the grated Parmesan onto the seasoned chicken to create a light crust.
Heat olive oil and 28 g butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. During the last minute, add 14 g butter and half the minced garlic. Stir until fragrant. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually add mozzarella, cheddar, and 75 g Parmesan.
Season with Italian seasoning, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Let it rest over low heat for 1 minute so it fully absorbs the flavors.
Serve
Plate the sauced spaghetti, top with the crispy Parmesan chicken strips, and finish with fresh chopped parsley.
Tips for Success
- Pat chicken very dry for the best crust.
- Add cream cheese gradually to avoid lumps.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth or pasta water.
- Use freshly grated cheese—pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as smoothly.
- Keep heat low once the cheese is added to avoid separating.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Whisk
Recipe Variations
- Shrimp Version: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Spicy Cajun Pasta: Increase Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Top with extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Add grilled asparagus or broccoli for a full meal.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce thickens as it sits, so it’s best fresh. If prepping ahead, store chicken and sauce separately.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes—fettuccine, linguine, or penne work beautifully.
Can I make it less rich?
Use half-and-half, reduce the cheese amounts, or use a lighter protein like shrimp.
Why did my sauce separate?
Cheeses may break if the heat is too high. Keep the temperature low when melting cheese.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and flavorful dish made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked chicken served over spaghetti.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 340 g spaghetti
- 15 ml olive oil
- 56 g salted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 60 g grated Parmesan cheese for crusting chicken
- 360 ml heavy cream
- 180 ml low sodium chicken broth
- 110 g shredded mozzarella
- 110 g shredded sharp cheddar
- 75 g grated Parmesan cheese for sauce
- 57 g cream cheese, softened
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
- Pat chicken strips dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press 60 g grated Parmesan onto chicken to form a light crust.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and 28 g butter. Sear chicken for 4–6 minutes until cooked through and golden. Add 14 g butter and half the garlic during the final minute. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Sauté remaining garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cream cheese, whisk until smooth. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and 75 g Parmesan. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Let rest over low heat for 1 minute.
- Plate spaghetti, top with Parmesan-crusted chicken, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Adjust spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. With tender chicken, a luscious garlic-infused sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, it’s a dish that promises to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and pure creamy goodness to the table. Enjoy every bite—and feel free to make it your own with fun variations and add-ins!