Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with this easy-to-make Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti. This dish combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich, creamy blend of three cheeses. It’s a delightful, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes that brings warmth and flavor to your table without fuss. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet flavorful: The combination of aromatic garlic butter and a creamy three-cheese sauce elevates basic ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• Quick preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want delicious without the wait.
• One-pan chicken and pasta option: You can simplify cleanup by cooking your chicken and sauce in the same pan before adding the spaghetti.
• Family-friendly appeal: Mild, cheesy flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring no complaints at the dinner table.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or vegetables for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work together perfectly to create a rich, satisfying meal. Each item brings its own contribution to the overall taste, texture, and visual appeal of this Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti.

• Chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Spaghetti: The classic pasta base that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese sauces.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with savory, aromatic depth and enhances the butter sauce tremendously.
• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth foundation for the sauce and helps caramelize the chicken.
• Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to coat the pasta and keep it soft and luscious.
• Three-cheese blend (Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar): Delivers a perfect balance of sharp, gooey, and melty textures in the sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the final dish with a pop of herbal freshness and color.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting every flavor.

Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

This recipe is such a crowd-pleaser because it’s easy to tweak according to your preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to mix, match, and make it your own!

• Protein swap: Use shrimp or turkey breast if you want a different lean protein option.
• Dairy-free alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to incorporate extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bold, spicy twist.
• Herb variations: Experiment with basil, thyme, or rosemary instead of parsley for new flavor profiles.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a generous amount of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add more butter if needed and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy three-cheese sauce, ensuring each strand is fully coated. Return the chicken to the skillet to reheat briefly, spooning some sauce on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Plate the chicken alongside or on top of the cheesy spaghetti and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

• Chicken thickness matters: Pound thicker breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and delivers superior flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese blends.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente to keep a pleasant bite since the noodles will continue soaking in sauce.
• Adjust sauce consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin out the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Rest chicken before slicing: Letting your chicken rest for a few minutes keeps it juicy when served.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a vibrant color and fresh contrast to the creamy, buttery sauce. A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top intensifies the cheesy flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich main with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced on a bed of three-cheese spaghetti with a lemon wedge on the side for a citrus burst, or stuff the chicken breasts with mozzarella beforehand to create a cheesy surprise inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, making weeknight reheating super convenient.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if separated: freeze the chicken and pasta in individual portions, wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn, and consume within 1 month for optimal taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese sauce from separating and to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta with this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can substitute fettuccine, penne, or linguine to change up the texture and presentation.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep. Store in portioned containers and reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk mixed with a bit of flour for thickening, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

How do I make the chicken extra tender?

Marinate the chicken in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 15-30 minutes beforehand, or pound it to an even thickness to ensure tender and even cooking.

What cheeses work best in the three-cheese sauce?

Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar create the perfect balance of sharpness, meltiness, and creaminess, but feel free to experiment with gouda, fontina, or provolone for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti is such a joy to cook and devour. It delivers that comforting, restaurant-quality experience you crave, without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner that brings smiles and satisfied appetites all around the table.

Related Posts

• Savory Chicken Madeira with Mushrooms & Melted Cheese
• Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce
• Thai Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Peanut Sauce

Print