When comfort food meets restaurant-quality flavors, you get this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti. It’s a cozy, flavorful dish that brings golden, seared chicken together with a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce and tender strands of spaghetti. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

The seared chicken is perfectly seasoned and locks in all those savory juices, while the spaghetti is tossed in a silky cheese sauce that’s garlicky, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Each bite delivers that satisfying pull of melted cheese and the warmth of garlic with a creamy finish that feels indulgent but comforting.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti come together smoothly, having the right tools on hand is key:

Cast Iron or Nonstick Skillet – For evenly searing the chicken and developing that golden crust without sticking.
Large Pot – You’ll need this to boil the spaghetti to perfect al dente.
Tongs – Ideal for flipping chicken without piercing it and losing juices.

Whisk – Necessary for stirring the cheese sauce to keep it lump-free and silky.
Microplane or Fine Grater – Helps freshly grate Parmesan, which melts better than the pre-shredded kind.

These tools not only make the prep easier but help elevate the texture and flavor of the final dish.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Every ingredient in this dish plays an important role in creating that creamy, rich, and satisfying flavor profile:

Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) – The star protein of the dish, providing a juicy, tender bite.
Olive Oil & Butter – Used to sear the chicken and enhance flavor with a rich base.

Garlic (minced) – Delivers bold aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream – Forms the silky base of the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds that sharp, salty, and nutty character essential to the cream sauce.

Italian Seasoning – A perfect blend to bring in herbaceous notes that lift the richness.
Salt & Black Pepper – Seasoning essentials to balance and enhance all flavors.
Spaghetti Noodles – Acts as the perfect vehicle to hold the cheesy garlic sauce.

Parsley (chopped) – A finishing touch for freshness and color.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic Base

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and the minced garlic. Let it sizzle gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and additional Italian seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Cook and Combine the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and immediately toss into the cheese sauce to coat every strand.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Slice or cube the seared chicken and place it atop the creamy spaghetti. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a touch more Parmesan before serving.

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

To serve, plate the spaghetti first, letting the creamy sauce pool slightly before topping it with juicy chicken pieces. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan take it from homey to restaurant-worthy in seconds. Pair with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.

For storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the dairy in the sauce may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should be golden on the outside and juicy in the center.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add even more richness to the dish.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream sauce?

You can try using full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast in place of cream and Parmesan, though the flavor will differ.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or milk.

What other pasta works if I don’t have spaghetti?

Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne are great choices that hold the sauce well.

How do I avoid grainy cheese sauce?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and add it to the cream on low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to separate or clump.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti, you’ll want to check out these equally comforting and flavor-packed dishes:

One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta – For a bold twist with steak and garlic butter.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce – A creamy one-pot dinner with chicken and rotini.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese – A childhood favorite with a cheesy upgrade.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce – Perfect for a heartier take on pasta night.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne – For a touch of green with your comfort food fix.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra herbs or spice things up? Maybe you tried it with a different cheese?

I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own. If you have any questions, drop them below—let’s help each other cook with flavor and confidence.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti brings together juicy seared chicken breasts with a rich, silky garlic-Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting and satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Lower heat, add heavy cream, and whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.