Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti 🍝🧄🧀

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlic flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is an easy comfort-food dinner that’s ready in about 40 minutes. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich Parmesan sauce come together in one irresistible meal.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs/680 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to the package directions.
3. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Toss the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
4. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream until smooth.
5. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine

1. Return the chicken to the skillet.
2. Add any optional vegetables and cook until just tender.
3. Toss in the cooked spaghetti.
4. Add a little reserved pasta water, if needed, until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly.

5. Serve

Sprinkle with parsley, basil, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot.

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Optional Baked Version

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Top with:
   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
   • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden.
5. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crisp, golden cheese topping.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Garlic green beans
• Steamed asparagus
• Bruschetta
• Caprese salad

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Variations

• Bacon Garlic Parmesan: Stir in 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.
• Spicy Version: Double the crushed red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons.
• Seafood Twist: Replace the chicken with sautéed shrimp or grilled salmon.

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 690
• Protein: 42 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Cook the spaghetti just until al dente so it stays firm when mixed with the sauce.
• Reserve some pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
• Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause it to become grainy.