Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Spaghetti Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the best crust on the chicken, pat the meat dry with paper towels before dredging it in the parmesan. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken will prevent it from browning correctly and may make the crust soggy. Press the parmesan onto the chicken firmly to ensure it adheres well during the searing process, creating a sturdy and delicious coating that holds up perfectly against the rich sauce.

When cooking the pasta, use plenty of salt in the boiling water, as this is your only opportunity to season the noodles from within. The pasta should be slightly undercooked if you plan to toss it in the sauce for an extra minute, as it will continue to absorb the liquid and soften.

This ensures that the texture remains firm and pleasant, preventing the spaghetti from becoming mushy or overcooked in the final stages of preparation.

Variations

• Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter when making the sauce to introduce a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess of the dish.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix a tablespoon of dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped parsley into the parmesan cheese before coating the chicken for a more aromatic and earthy flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is best to keep the chicken and the pasta sauce separate if possible, but if already combined, they can be stored together.

When cooling the leftovers, ensure they reach room temperature within two hours before placing them in the fridge to maintain food safety and quality. The cream sauce may thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of water when reheating.

You can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Sear the chicken and store it in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven to crisp it back up before serving. The sauce can be made in advance and kept in the fridge, though it is best to reheat it slowly over low heat, adding a little extra cream or water to loosen it back up before tossing in freshly boiled pasta.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish on warmed plates to ensure the cream sauce stays silky and the chicken remains crispy as long as possible. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra parmesan if desired to add a pop of color and freshness.

The richness of this meal pairs beautifully with a simple side salad of crisp greens and a light vinaigrette, which helps to balance the savory, creamy notes of the main course for a well-rounded dining experience.

For a complete meal, consider serving this with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The slight bitterness of the greens provides a nice contrast to the decadence of the garlic-cream sauce.

Ensure that the chicken is sliced on a bias to showcase the crispy parmesan crust and the juicy interior. Presenting the dish family-style in a large, shallow bowl can also make for an impressive and inviting centerpiece for your dinner table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Spaghetti

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 lb spaghetti

Instructions

1. Dredge the sliced chicken breasts in the grated parmesan cheese until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken in a small amount of oil until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce is thick, smooth, and fully melted.
3. Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and toss it directly into the skillet with the garlic-mozzarella sauce until well coated. Serve immediately with the sliced parmesan chicken on top.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.