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Homemade Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti recipe photo

Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti is comfort food at its best! Tender chicken and garlicky cream sauce coat perfectly cooked spaghetti for an easy, satisfying meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Comfort Food, Creamy, Easy, Garlic, Parmesan, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti your pasta base for a hearty meal
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts trimmed and ready to cook
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing the chicken and sautéing garlic
  • 4 cloves garlic minced – the star flavor that infuses the sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream creates the luscious, velvety sauce
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory bite
  • 1 cup chicken broth balances the cream for a lighter texture
  • salt and pepper to taste – essential seasonings to bring it all together
  • fresh parsley chopped (for garnish) – adds a fresh, vibrant finish

Instructions

Cooking the Spaghetti

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Preparing the Chicken

  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Making the Sauce

  • Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Combining and Serving

  • Add the cooked spaghetti and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or pasta fork
  • Grater

Notes

  • Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
  • For dairy-free versions, substitute cream and Parmesan with lactose-free or vegan alternatives.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth or cream.