Creamy Spaghetti Chicken

A Rich, Comforting Pasta Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

There’s something timeless about a creamy pasta dish loaded with tender, juicy chicken and coated in a velvety sauce. This Creamy Spaghetti Chicken is the ultimate comfort food — rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you need a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, this creamy chicken spaghetti recipe delivers every time.

With perfectly seared chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a garlic-infused cream sauce that clings to every strand, this dish checks all the boxes: creamy, savory, and deeply comforting.

Let’s dive into how to make this easy chicken pasta dinner from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spaghetti Chicken

• Ready in about 40 minutes
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Family-friendly flavor
• Perfect for leftovers
• Creamy without being overly heavy

This chicken spaghetti with cream sauce strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and practical — simple enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests.

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 Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

5. Pat chicken breasts dry.
6. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
7. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
9. Remove chicken and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

10. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
11. Add butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
12. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.
13. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
14. Add parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
15. Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

16. Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce.
17. Toss gently to coat.
18. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen sauce if needed.
19. Slice chicken and place over pasta or mix into the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

20. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
21. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Creamy Spaghetti Chicken

Tender chicken and spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce — a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.75 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 3 cloves garlic minced

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente and reserve pasta water.
2. Season and sear chicken until fully cooked. Rest and slice.
3. Sauté garlic in butter, add cream and broth, and simmer.
4. Stir in parmesan until melted and sauce thickens.
5. Add pasta and toss to coat, adjusting with pasta water.
6. Top with sliced chicken and garnish before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.

The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Sauce

The magic behind this one pan creamy chicken pasta lies in:

• Freshly grated parmesan (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly)
• Simmering, not boiling, the cream
• Adding pasta water to create a silky emulsion

The starch from pasta water binds everything together for a glossy finish.

Variations to Try

1. Add Vegetables

• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Sun-dried tomatoes

2. Make It Spicy

Add:

• Red pepper flakes
• Cajun seasoning

3. Lighten It Up

Substitute:

• Half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Add more broth to reduce richness

4. Cheesy Upgrade

Add mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your creamy spaghetti chicken with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted green beans
• Lemon sparkling water

This dish works beautifully for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Storage & Reheating

• Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of milk or broth.
• Avoid high heat to prevent sauce separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes — skip searing and add shredded cooked chicken directly to the sauce.

Can I freeze it?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze perfectly but can be frozen up to 1 month. Reheat slowly.

What pasta shapes work best?

Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine or linguine also work beautifully.

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy chicken spaghetti recipe succeeds because:

• Chicken is seared for deep flavor
• Sauce is built in the same pan for richness
• Pasta water creates silky texture
• Balanced seasoning keeps it from feeling too heavy

It’s comforting, rich, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.