Golden, juicy chicken bites smothered in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce—paired with twirly cheesy spaghetti that clings to every creamy strand. This dish is the kind of comfort food you crave on cozy nights or when you need a quick dinner that feels indulgent without being fussy.

Each bite delivers the best of both worlds: tender chicken that’s pan-seared until caramelized and flavorful, and spaghetti tossed in a cheesy, garlicky cream sauce that wraps around your fork like a hug. It’s easy to see why this recipe becomes a favorite after just one try.

What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for this dish. It melts smoothly into the sauce and delivers that sharp, nutty bite we love. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent the sauce from becoming ultra creamy.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Chicken breast: Lean, protein-packed, and easy to cube for even cooking.
Olive oil + butter: The dynamic duo for getting that beautiful golden sear.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for depth and aromatic flavor.
Heavy cream: The foundation of that luscious, thick sauce.
Parmesan cheese: For cheesy richness and a salty bite that defines the sauce.
Spaghetti: Cooked al dente so it absorbs the creamy goodness without turning mushy.
Italian seasoning: Adds complexity to both the chicken and the sauce.
Parsley: For color and freshness to balance the richness.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season cubed chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Stir in the Parmesan

Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 4: Toss in the Spaghetti

Add your cooked, drained spaghetti directly into the sauce. Toss to coat all the noodles evenly.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Herbs

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and combine with the pasta. Finish with chopped fresh parsley for color and a hint of freshness.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Serve this dish immediately while it’s warm and creamy. A simple green salad or roasted broccoli makes a great companion. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For best results, stick with heavy cream.

Can I swap out the chicken?

Absolutely. Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu can work beautifully in this recipe.

What if I only have pre-grated Parmesan?

It’ll still work, but the sauce may not be as smooth. Try to get freshly grated if possible.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta and make sure your cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they can separate. It’s best to enjoy this fresh or refrigerated.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are great options to stir into the pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti, here are more flavorful pasta creations from Life with Jam:

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a comforting one-dish wonder.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving cheesy-meaty pasta.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a loaded, creamy bite.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli if you want something creamy but veggie-forward.
Red Pepper Rigatoni: A Creamy, Bold Pasta Delight to spice things up with a kick.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready for your next pasta night.

Tried it already? Let me know how yours turned out. Did you sneak in extra cheese? Add some mushrooms? Share your twist in the comments!

Your creativity inspires more great food—and don’t forget to check out my daily recipe boards over on Pinterest – Life with Jam.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is the ultimate weeknight indulgence. Tender, golden-seared chicken cubes are bathed in a rich garlic parmesan sauce and paired with cheesy spaghetti that soaks up every bit of creamy flavor. Fast, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.

Instructions

1. Season cubed chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing well to coat.

7. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.