Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti on a plate garnished with parsley

By :

Claire

November 29, 2025

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Why make this recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan make it irresistible, and it’s straightforward enough for beginning cooks to master. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings when you want something delicious. In short, it’s a delicious one-pot meal that’s sure to please.

How to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

Let’s break down the steps to create this flavorful dish. Cooking may seem daunting, but this recipe simplifies the process, so you can enjoy every moment in the kitchen.

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

Directions:

Cook the spaghetti: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and drizzle it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Prepare the chicken: While the spaghetti is cooking, pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press 60 g of grated Parmesan onto the chicken to create a light crust.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 28 g of butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sear for 4–6 minutes, turning it as needed, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. During the last minute of cooking, add 14 g of butter and half the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Sauté the remaining garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir the mix until it starts to simmer gently.
Add in the cheeses: Whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the mozzarella, cheddar, and 75 g of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
Combine: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the creamy sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. Let it rest over low heat for 1 minute to absorb the flavors.
Serve: Arrange the sauced spaghetti on plates. Top it with the Parmesan-crusted chicken strips and finish with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.

Nutritional Benefits

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti dish is packed with proteins and nutrients that come from the chicken, cheeses, and garlic, along with the health benefits of herbs like basil and parsley. The addition of cream and cheese adds richness without compromising on taste, while the spices introduce a delightful kick.

Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Calcium: The various cheeses provide a good amount of calcium, important for strong bones and teeth.
Vitamin A: Garlic and fresh parsley are high in Vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

To make it a complete meal, you can serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with a variety of sides. Here are some delightful options:

Garlic bread: A classic pairing that complements the garlic flavor in the pasta.
Caesar salad: A fresh salad adds a crunchy texture and balances the richness of the dish.
Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans bring color and nutrients to the plate.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti for several reasons:

Quick and Easy: This dish is easy to prepare, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic, cheese, and spices creates a delicious flavor that entices every palate.
Comfort Food: It’s the perfect comfort food that offers warmth and satisfaction, ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners.

How to store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

If you have leftovers, you can store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3–4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and gently warm it until heated through.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Do not overcrowd the pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will help the chicken brown evenly.
Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the pasta rest in the sauce allows it to absorb flavors for a more delicious taste.
Adjust seasoning: Always taste your sauce as you go. You can slightly adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Variation

There are a few variations you can consider with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti:

Add vegetables: You can mix in veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition and flavor.
Use different proteins: Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different taste.
Make it lighter: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute some cheese with nutritional yeast.

FAQs

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free spaghetti or any other gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. However, the texture may change a bit once reheated.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit chicken and use sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas as your protein source. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to substitute different cheeses based on your preference. Cream cheese, feta, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can work wonderfully in this dish.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s an experience of flavor and texture that you will enjoy and share with your loved ones.