This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is the definition of a “scroll-stopping” weeknight luxury. It features tender, golden-browned chicken breast pieces served alongside a mountain of perfectly coated spaghetti in a rich, glossy mozzarella and Parmesan cream sauce. Topped with melty cheese and fresh herbs, this 30-minute meal delivers professional “fine dining” vibes right to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta
- Velvety Texture: The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and freshly grated mozzarella creates an incredibly smooth and thick sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Triple-Cheese Punch: With Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese, this dish offers a deep, savory profile that cheese lovers will adore.
- Perfectly Seasoned: A blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika gives the chicken a beautiful golden exterior and bold flavor.
Ingredients 🛒
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil & 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream & ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan & 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Seasonings: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it has a slight bite in the center. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet. Add the chicken in an even layer and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden-brown and fully done. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (do not let it brown).
- Build the Cream Base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to lift the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Melt the Cheeses: Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted. Gradually add the Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth, thick, and glossy.
- Toss & Coat: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Use tongs to toss until every strand is beautifully coated in the rich cheese sauce.
- Combine & Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, folding it gently into the pasta. Warm through for a minute, then finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while melty.
Pro-Tips for Success
- The “Golden” Secret: Let the chicken sit undisturbed for a few minutes when first adding it to the skillet; this creates the savory, golden crust seen in the photo.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick while tossing, add a small splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up while maintaining that glossy finish.
- Fresh is Best: Grate your Parmesan and mozzarella from blocks rather than using pre-shredded bags; fresh cheese melts much more smoothly into the cream base.