When it comes to comforting, crowd-pleasing meals, few dishes hit the mark like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti. Imagine tender, juicy chicken mingling with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. This dish is the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that fill your kitchen with warmth and delight.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a dish to impress guests, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is your go-to recipe. Its versatility allows you to tweak ingredients to your taste, while the creamy, garlicky sauce ensures every bite is rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a gourmet-style pasta dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients

To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti for 4–6 servings, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti noodles
4 cups chicken broth or water, for cooking pasta

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier sauce)
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

1 cup fresh spinach or chopped broccoli for color and nutrition
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist

Pro Tip: Make sure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking, and use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, use reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli, fold them in now to allow them to wilt slightly in the heat.

Step 6: Serve
Transfer the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti to a serving dish or plate directly from the skillet. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for garnish and a pop of flavor. Optional: add chopped fresh parsley for color. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Conservation and Storage

Proper storage ensures your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti remains fresh and delicious:

In the Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.

In the Freezer:

Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture.

Tip: Pasta and cream-based sauces may thicken after refrigeration. Stir in reserved pasta water or a little milk when reheating for the perfect consistency.

Variations

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is highly adaptable to suit your taste preferences:

Veggie Upgrade: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
Spicy Garlic: Incorporate chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella, Asiago, or Fontina with Parmesan for extra gooeyness.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lighter version.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to elevate the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy pasta with complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal:

Fresh Bread: Serve with garlic bread, crusty baguette, or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to the plate.
Family-Friendly: Serve in individual bowls with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top for picky eaters.

Tip: For a restaurant-style presentation, sprinkle chopped parsley and drizzle a little olive oil on top before serving.

Tips for Perfecting Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

Uniform Chicken Pieces: Ensures even cooking and prevents dry or undercooked pieces.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Control Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually for the perfect creamy texture.
Cook Garlic Carefully: Avoid burning garlic, as it can turn bitter and affect the flavor.
Layer Flavors: Sear chicken first for depth, then use the same skillet for sauce to capture all the fond flavors.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish satisfies both weeknight cravings and special occasions.

Its versatility allows endless variations, whether you want to add vegetables, spice, or extra cheese. Moreover, it’s perfect for meal prep, reheating well in the refrigerator or freezer without losing taste or texture.

So gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and whip up this creamy, garlicky, cheesy masterpiece. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about flavor, simplicity, and sharing a warm, satisfying meal with loved ones.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, ideal for weeknight dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti noodles

4 cups chicken broth or water (for cooking pasta)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier sauce)

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

1 cup fresh spinach or chopped broccoli

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring salted water or chicken broth to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Prepare Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in flour for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook 3–5 minutes until thickened.

Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning. Use reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

Combine Pasta and Chicken: Toss spaghetti and chicken into the sauce. Fold in optional vegetables if using.

Serve: Plate and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.