Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with Mozzarella

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with Mozzarella combines juicy, golden chicken bites with creamy garlic-Parmesan spaghetti and plenty of melted mozzarella. It is a rich and comforting family dinner that comes together in about 40 minutes.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Creamy Mozzarella Spaghetti

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Pat the chicken dry. Season it with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and the center reaches 165°F.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 30 seconds. Toss the chicken with Parmesan and parsley, then transfer it to a plate.
5. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken.
7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth.
8. Add the drained spaghetti and toss until evenly coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the pasta. Cover for 2–3 minutes, until melted.
10. Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken beside or over the creamy spaghetti. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan.

Helpful Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
• Cook the chicken in batches if needed so it browns instead of steaming.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent the sauce from separating.
• Thin the sauce with reserved pasta water or milk before serving if necessary.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk. Freezing is not recommended because the creamy cheese sauce may separate.