Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

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Golden-seared chicken bites drenched in garlic butter and coated with Parmesan herbs meet a bed of cheesy, silky spaghetti tangled in a luscious, creamy sauce. This is the kind of meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance—all on one plate. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something that feels restaurant-worthy without the effort, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy spaghetti fits the bill.

The chicken is perfectly juicy with a crispy golden crust, seasoned just right, and complemented by the rich, velvety spaghetti that wraps around every forkful like a cheesy dream. With garlic, butter, and parmesan doing most of the flavor lifting, this dish is indulgent yet balanced—and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

• Big on flavor, low on stress: This recipe delivers a punch of buttery garlic goodness with minimal prep and just one skillet and one pot.
• Fast and filling: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a complete and hearty meal that feels like comfort food without being too heavy.
• Family favorite: Kids love the cheesy spaghetti, adults love the seared chicken—everyone leaves the table happy.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
• Customizable: Swap spaghetti for fettuccine or penne, or add steamed veggies for extra color and nutrition.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

Before diving into cooking, getting your tools and setup right can make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: This is crucial for getting a golden, flavorful sear on the chicken. A heavy-bottomed skillet retains heat better and helps caramelize the garlic without burning it.
• Medium to Large Pot: You’ll need this to boil your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Make sure the pot is large enough to let the pasta move freely.
• Tongs or a Spatula: These tools make flipping the chicken quick and clean while keeping those flavorful browned bits intact.
• Mixing Bowl: For seasoning and marinating the chicken before cooking—it helps to get an even coating.
• Colander: For draining the cooked spaghetti efficiently.
• Microplane or Grater: A fine grater will give you fluffy, melt-in sauce parmesan—don’t skip this if you want that creamy, cheesy finish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for consistency in seasoning and sauce texture.
• Whisk or Wooden Spoon: To stir the cheese into the pasta sauce without clumping.

Setting up all these tools ahead of time will keep your workspace organized and your cooking flow uninterrupted.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning or searing, pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful crust.
• Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: Think “salty like the sea.” This is the only chance you get to season the pasta itself.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the spaghetti, scoop out a cup of starchy water. It helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the noodles.
• Let the Chicken Rest After Cooking: A quick 3-5 minute rest will let the juices settle, so each bite stays moist and flavorful.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for maximum flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Cheesy Spaghetti:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed, for sauce consistency)
• Extra parsley and Parmesan, for garnish

These ingredients come together to deliver bold garlic flavors, buttery richness, and a cheesy creaminess that ties everything into one unforgettable meal.

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help them sear properly. Place them in a mixing bowl and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear without moving for 2–3 minutes to develop color, then stir and cook until fully browned and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes total. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Sprinkle in Parmesan and parsley, toss, then remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it), add butter and garlic over medium-low heat. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in the heavy cream and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

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Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Adjust

Add the Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Step 6: Combine the Pasta

Add the drained spaghetti directly into the sauce. Toss until the noodles are fully coated. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Add more Parmesan if desired.

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Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve the cheesy spaghetti on one side of a plate and top the other side with the garlic Parmesan chicken. Garnish with extra parsley and a final sprinkle of cheese.

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Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoother and offers a richer, nuttier flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties. This is key to achieving that luxurious cheesy finish in the pasta.
• Balance creaminess with pasta water: Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce, making it glossy and perfectly clingy to the spaghetti.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Parmesan is naturally salty, so taste before adding more salt to the sauce or chicken.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the skillet: When cooking the chicken, don’t pack the pieces too close together. This causes steaming instead of searing, and you’ll miss out on that golden crust.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast. Add it near the end of cooking the chicken and keep the heat moderate. Burnt garlic adds bitterness to the dish.
• Overcooking the chicken: Once the chicken turns white and firm with some caramelized edges, it’s done. Overcooking will dry it out quickly.
• Using cold cream: If you add cold cream to a hot pan too quickly, it might curdle. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before adding to the pan.
• Skipping the rest time for chicken: Resting helps lock in juices. Cutting the chicken right off the pan will release moisture and reduce tenderness.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti

This dish is rich and indulgent on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a cozy dinner, these additions bring contrast, freshness, or extra comfort to the table.

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8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic pairing—crispy, buttery, and perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli
   Light and simple, broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious crunch that balances the richness of the pasta.
3. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and Parmesan shavings make for a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor.
4. Roasted Asparagus
   Slightly charred with olive oil and sea salt, asparagus brings an earthy brightness that complements the garlic and cheese.
5. Caprese Salad
   Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a juicy, acidic bite to offset the creamy pasta.
6. Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil adds a colorful, zesty start to your meal.
7. Lemon Zest Green Beans
   Sauteed green beans with a squeeze of lemon cut through the richness beautifully.
8. Mushroom Sauté
   Lightly sautéed mushrooms with herbs echo the umami of Parmesan and garlic, making them a savory match.

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Storage Instructions

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti stores surprisingly well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep. Follow these storage tips to maintain flavor and texture:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep the chicken and pasta together for convenience, or separately if you prefer to reheat individually.
• Freezer: While possible, freezing is not ideal due to the dairy in the sauce, which can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze it, let the dish cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1 month. Reheat gently with added cream or milk to restore texture.
• Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—use a medium setting and stir halfway through.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 4 servings total)

Please note: These are rough estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 635 kcal
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 2g

This dish is hearty and indulgent—perfect as an occasional comfort meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

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2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. Note that it may slightly affect the richness and thickness of the sauce.

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3. Is this dish spicy?

Not at all. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne if you’d like to introduce a little heat.

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4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan and other seasonings are gluten-free certified.

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5. How do I make the sauce creamier?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and whisk it well into the warm cream. Add a bit more cheese or pasta water until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

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6. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead and store them separately. Cook the pasta fresh for best texture and mix everything together just before serving.

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7. Will this recipe work with other types of pasta?

Definitely! Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even short shapes like rotini work well—just adjust cook times accordingly.

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8. What herbs pair well with this dish besides parsley?

Fresh basil, thyme, or even a little rosemary can complement the garlic and Parmesan beautifully. Add them lightly so they don’t overpower the sauce.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve at your next dinner gathering. The buttery garlic chicken paired with silky, cheese-laced spaghetti makes for a comforting, flavor-packed experience you’ll want to revisit often.

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your home.

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