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Cheesy Garlic Chicken Spaghetti in Velvety Cream Sauce

This ultra-comforting dish combines juicy garlic chicken, tender spaghetti, and a velvety cream sauce made with cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese. A one-pan weeknight wonder that’s rich, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Velvety Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
  • Optional Toppings & Add-ins:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Steamed broccoli or spinach
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Sautéed mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
  4. Add cheddar, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and combined into a smooth sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in sauce. Heat through for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve: Plate immediately with chopped parsley and optional toppings like red pepper flakes or extra cheese.

Notes

  • Shred your own cheese for best melting — pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
  • Use room-temp cream cheese to avoid clumps in the sauce.
  • Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
  • Great with rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken too!
  • Author: Your Name Here
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: chicken spaghetti, cheesy garlic pasta, creamy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner