If you love rich, comforting pasta dishes that deliver layers of creamy, cheesy flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti in Cheesy Three-Cheese Sauce will be your new go-to indulgence. Juicy, pan-seared chicken coated in fragrant garlic butter is tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and enveloped in a velvety sauce made from three kinds of cheese. I once made this using mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese — it created the perfect balance of stretch, sharpness, and creaminess. The dish feels like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant, yet it’s easy enough to make at home in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines everything you crave in comfort food — buttery chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta. The garlic butter adds depth and richness, while the trio of cheeses brings a smooth, indulgent texture with just the right hint of sharpness. It’s a family-friendly dish that satisfies everyone at the table, and it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s both elegant and cozy, this one checks all the boxes.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti – Ultra Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti in Cheesy Three-Cheese Sauce is a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken tossed in a velvety garlic butter sauce with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar. It’s a comforting, restaurant-quality meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked spaghetti and toss until well combined, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, add a pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute penne or fettuccine for spaghetti.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Leftovers reheat best on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless and skinless, seasoned and pan-seared to perfection for tender, flavorful bites.
Spaghetti – The ideal pasta for soaking up the creamy cheese sauce and holding onto that buttery coating.
Butter – Forms the base of the garlic sauce, adding richness and flavor throughout the dish.
Garlic – Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the sauce and chicken.
Heavy cream – The foundation of the sauce, giving it a luxurious, silky consistency.
Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce with its sharp, nutty flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – Creates that irresistible melt and stretch, giving the sauce a luscious body.
Cream cheese – Adds smoothness and helps thicken the sauce, tying the flavors together.
Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken, giving it a golden crust without drying it out.
Salt and black pepper – Enhance and balance the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Italian seasoning or dried herbs – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for that classic Italian aroma.
Fresh parsley – For garnish, adding color and a touch of freshness to the rich sauce.
Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing into strips.
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cream cheese, whisking until it melts into a smooth, velvety base.
Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently, adding pasta water as needed for a glossy, smooth consistency.
Add the sliced chicken back into the pan, coating it well with the sauce. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired and let it melt slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Essential Equipment
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: About 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid overheating, as the cheese can separate. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Four-Cheese Upgrade
Add shredded provolone or fontina for an even richer, more complex flavor profile.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a touch of heat that complements the creamy sauce.
Spinach and Mushroom Version
Sauté baby spinach or mushrooms in butter before adding the cream for extra texture and flavor.
Bacon Lover’s Twist
Add crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Lemon Garlic Variation
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten up the richness of the cheese sauce.
Low-Carb Option
Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter but still flavorful version.
Pesto Fusion
Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a herbaceous, fresh twist on the classic cheese sauce.
Gluten-Free Option
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta — the sauce stays naturally gluten-free.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Blend roasted red peppers into the sauce for a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Broccoli Cheddar Addition
Mix in steamed broccoli and extra cheddar cheese for a hearty, family-friendly variation.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken — just add it to the sauce in the final minutes to heat through.
What cheeses work best for the sauce?
A mix of Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese gives the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner — add extra cheese to maintain creaminess.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and add the cheese gradually while stirring continuously.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken ahead; combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
How do I thicken a runny sauce?
Simmer gently or add a little extra Parmesan or cream cheese until desired thickness is reached.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, fettuccine, penne, or linguine all work beautifully with this sauce.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables or extra cheese for a rich, meat-free meal.
Can I bake this pasta?
Yes, transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
What can I serve with it?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti in Cheesy Three-Cheese Sauce is the ultimate comfort pasta — creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly indulgent. With its combination of buttery garlic, juicy chicken, and smooth cheese sauce, every forkful is a luxurious treat. This dish strikes the perfect balance between homey and elegant, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection — a true celebration of creamy, cheesy perfection.
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