Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti
Creamy and cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti features tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting yet elegant dish is ideal for busy weeknights and family dinners, with rich flavors and a luscious creamy sauce that’s easily customizable to suit your taste.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta substitution)
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips or cubes
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving half a cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté gently over medium-low heat until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt, releasing its rich aroma.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring continuously. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching the desired consistency.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Add the drained spaghetti noodles and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Final Touches: Season with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; cook just until no longer pink to keep it tender.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce naturally and improve texture.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and richer taste.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more cream or reserved pasta water as desired.
- Sauté garlic slowly over medium-low heat to avoid bitterness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, family-friendly pasta, quick dinner recipe