Follow Me On Social Media!
Creamy Spaghetti Chicken (Rich, Easy & Family-Favorite Dinner)
If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent but comes together without stress, this Creamy Spaghetti Chicken is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti in a silky garlic cream sauce — it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table fast.
This creamy chicken pasta recipe is rich without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and elegant enough for guests while still simple enough for busy weeknights. Best of all, it uses everyday pantry ingredients and comes together in about 40 minutes.
If you love comfort food pasta recipes that deliver both flavor and texture, this one belongs in your regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spaghetti Chicken
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfectly creamy and garlicky
- Family-friendly
- Easy to customize
- Ideal for leftovers
It’s a true easy chicken spaghetti dinner that feels restaurant-worthy without the restaurant price.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
4. Start the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a light roux.
5. Add Liquids
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook 3–5 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
6. Add Cheese & Seasoning
Stir in parmesan cheese and paprika. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
If sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
7. Combine Everything
Add cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss gently until fully coated.
Return sliced chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
8. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy.
Creamy Spaghetti Chicken
Tender chicken and spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce — an easy and comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Season and sear chicken until cooked through.
- Prepare garlic cream sauce in skillet.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce.
- Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
Add pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
What Makes This Sauce So Creamy?
The combination of a light roux (butter + flour), broth, and heavy cream creates a stable, velvety base. Parmesan adds richness and slight saltiness while helping the sauce thicken naturally.
This balance ensures your one pan creamy pasta is smooth and glossy — not watery or overly thick.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta
1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Let it rest before slicing to retain juices.
2. Salt the Pasta Water Well
Well-seasoned pasta makes a big difference.
3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
4. Save That Pasta Water
It helps loosen sauce while maintaining creaminess.
Variations & Add-Ins
This comfort food pasta recipe is highly customizable:
Add Vegetables:
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Peas
Make It Spicy:
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Lighten It Up:
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Add More Flavor:
Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy spaghetti chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Simple Caesar salad
- Roasted green beans
- Steamed asparagus
For a complete dinner spread, serve with sparkling water or iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Add a splash of milk or broth
- Warm gently over medium-low heat
- Stir frequently
Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless thighs are even juicier and work beautifully.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently with added liquid.
Can I freeze it?
Cream sauces may separate when frozen. It’s better refrigerated.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of creamy spaghetti chicken lies in layering flavors:
- Properly seared chicken builds depth
- Garlic and butter create aromatic richness
- A balanced cream sauce coats each strand
- Parmesan ties everything together
This isn’t just another creamy chicken pasta recipe — it’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels special every time.
Final Thoughts
When comfort food cravings hit, this Creamy Spaghetti Chicken delivers every time. It’s rich, satisfying, and simple enough for any night of the week.
Once you try it, it may just become your go-to easy chicken spaghetti dinner.