Creamy Spaghetti Chicken

Creamy Spaghetti Chicken is a comforting Italian-American pasta dish that combines tender sautéed chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic add depth and brightness, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly quick to prepare at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick weeknight dinner – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Rich, creamy texture – Heavy cream and melted Parmesan create a silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Balanced flavor profile – Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes provide savory depth with a subtle kick.
Family-friendly comfort food – Familiar ingredients and mild seasoning appeal to both adults and children.
One-pan sauce convenience – The sauce and chicken cook in the same skillet, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.
Easily customizable – Simple ingredient swaps allow adjustments for taste, spice level, or protein preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta and Protein

12 oz spaghetti – Forms the base of the dish and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced – Provides lean protein and tender texture when quickly sautéed.

Sauce Components

1 cup heavy cream – Creates the rich, velvety body of the sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor while thickening the sauce as it melts.
1/2 cup chicken broth – Deglazes the pan and enhances savory depth.

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers

4 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Contributes concentrated sweetness and acidity for balance.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing and developing flavor in the chicken.
Red pepper flakes, to taste – Provide gentle heat and contrast to the creaminess.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning and flavor balance.
Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds freshness and color as a finishing garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the spaghetti – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later.

Sauté the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Build the sauce base – In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for added flavor.

Simmer the cream – Add heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened, concentrating the flavors.

Incorporate the Parmesan – Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Combine and finish – Return the chicken to the skillet, add drained spaghetti, and toss until evenly coated. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce, then garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan – Fresh cheese melts smoothly and prevents a grainy sauce texture.
Reserve pasta water – The starch content helps emulsify and thicken the sauce naturally.
Avoid overcooking chicken – Cook just until done to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness.
Control sauce thickness – Add pasta water gradually for the ideal creamy consistency.
Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – They provide better flavor and softer texture than dry-packed versions.
Serve immediately – Cream sauces are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and richness.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 generous pasta portions
Calories: Approximately 650–750 per serving (estimate varies by ingredient brands and portion size)

Perfect Pairings

Garlic bread or focaccia – Ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Crisp green salad – Provides freshness and acidity to balance richness.
Roasted vegetables – Adds texture and nutritional variety.
Light white wine or sparkling water – Complements the creamy, savory flavors.

Ideal Occasions

Quick weeknight dinners – Fast preparation with satisfying results.
Casual family gatherings – Crowd-pleasing comfort food everyone enjoys.
Date-night at home – Feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy.
Meal prep for busy weeks – Stores well for convenient reheating.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate leftovers promptly – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently – Warm over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore texture.
Avoid microwaving too long – Prevents sauce separation and rubbery chicken.
Garnish fresh before serving – Add parsley or Parmesan to revive flavor and presentation.

Creative Variations to Try

Swap chicken thighs – Produces juicier, more flavorful meat.
Add spinach or mushrooms – Boosts nutrition and earthy depth.
Use whole-wheat pasta – Increases fiber and creates a nuttier flavor.
Make it spicy – Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil for heat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sauce too thick – Stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until loosened.
Sauce grainy – Ensure Parmesan is freshly grated and melt it over low heat.
Chicken dry – Reduce cooking time and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Flavor too mild – Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to enhance taste.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it balances fat, starch, and protein to create a cohesive, creamy pasta dish. The starch from reserved pasta water emulsifies with heavy cream and melted Parmesan, forming a smooth sauce that clings to the spaghetti. Deglazing the skillet captures browned flavor compounds from the chicken, deepening overall taste, while sun-dried tomatoes introduce acidity to cut through richness. With moderate calories for a cream-based pasta—roughly 650–750 per serving—it delivers indulgence in a controlled portion.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Spaghetti Chicken is a dependable, flavorful dish that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a comforting, elegant meal. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and balanced seasoning make it suitable for both everyday dinners and special occasions, while lighter adaptations—such as reduced cream or whole-grain pasta—allow flexibility for different nutritional needs.