Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Broccoli Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy bowl of pasta, especially when it’s filled with tender chicken, golden roasted garlic, and crisp green broccoli. This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Broccoli brings together the best of all worlds—rich, garlicky flavor, a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles, and a touch of freshness from the veggies.

This dish is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade, hearty, and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s inspired by cozy family dinners where the table fills with laughter, and everyone gathers for seconds. The roasted garlic gives it a gourmet twist, while the creamy Parmesan sauce delivers that classic comfort that keeps everyone coming back for more. Ready in just 30 minutes, this is the kind of pasta that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love creamy pasta dishes, this one’s a keeper. Here’s why this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti stands out from the rest:

• Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Flavor-Packed: Roasted garlic infuses the sauce with deep, mellow flavor that takes it beyond ordinary Alfredo-style pastas.

• Balanced and Hearty: Lean chicken and fresh broccoli balance the richness of the cream sauce beautifully.

• One-Pan Simplicity: Fewer dishes, less stress, more flavor.

• Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.

This pasta has all the creamy comfort of a restaurant-style meal but made simple enough for your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish perfectly creamy, garlicky, and satisfying.

For the Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti: The classic choice—long, thin strands that soak up the sauce beautifully.

• Salt: For seasoning the pasta water to enhance flavor.

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.

• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the chicken’s flavor.

• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds extra depth and aroma to the chicken.

• 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter: The base of the sauce—rich, smooth, and luscious.

• 1 head roasted garlic (or 4–5 cloves), mashed: The secret to that deep, roasted flavor.

• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.

• ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while adding savory depth.

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty kick that ties everything together.

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds herby balance to the creaminess.

For the Vegetables

• 1 cup broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works—adds texture, color, and nutrition.

For Garnish

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: For a burst of freshness.

• Extra grated Parmesan: Because you can never have too much cheese.

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How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Broccoli

This meal comes together in a few easy steps. Each part plays a role in building that irresistible creamy flavor.

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Pro Tip: Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea. This ensures your spaghetti is seasoned from within.

Set the drained pasta aside while you prepare the rest.

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2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then add them to the pan.

Sear for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan—this helps the chicken brown nicely instead of steaming.

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3. Make the Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the mashed roasted garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. The aroma should be rich, buttery, and nutty.

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Pro Tip: Don’t let the sauce boil too hard—gentle simmering keeps it silky smooth.

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4. Add Broccoli and Combine Everything

While the sauce simmers, steam or blanch your broccoli until it’s bright green and tender-crisp—about 2–3 minutes. Then, add the broccoli, cooked spaghetti, and seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.

Toss everything together until well-coated. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

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5. Finish and Serve

Once everything is creamy and beautifully mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle in chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish.

Serve immediately while it’s warm and velvety. Every bite should bring together the tender chicken, smooth sauce, and that lovely hint of roasted garlic that lingers just long enough to make you crave another forkful.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta

1. Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

2. Don’t skip the roasted garlic: It transforms the flavor from simple to gourmet.

3. Adjust creaminess: Use reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency.

4. Add texture: Toasted breadcrumbs or extra Parmesan on top can add a nice crunch.

5. Avoid overcooking the chicken: Once it’s golden and firm, it’s ready—overcooking can make it dry.

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How to Roast Garlic Perfectly

If you’ve never roasted garlic before, here’s a quick and easy method that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Slice off the top of a garlic head to expose the cloves.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil.

4. Roast for 35–40 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden, and caramelized.

5. Squeeze out the garlic paste and mash it with a fork before using in your sauce.

Roasted garlic is sweeter and more mellow than raw—it adds an irresistible, deep flavor that makes this dish shine.

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta is filling on its own, but if you want to make it part of a larger meal, here are some easy serving ideas:

• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.

• Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful side.

• Light Soup Starter: A bowl of tomato basil or chicken broth-based soup pairs nicely.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat Gently: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Avoid Microwaving Too Long: It can dry out the chicken and separate the sauce.

• Do Not Freeze: Cream sauces tend to separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

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Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? This recipe is easy to customize based on your mood or what’s in your fridge.

1. Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the chicken for an earthy depth.

2. Use Spinach Instead of Broccoli: Adds color and a boost of nutrients.

3. Swap Spaghetti for Fettuccine or Penne: The sauce works well with any pasta shape.

4. Add a Kick of Spice: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.

5. Go Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella for a stretchier, creamier finish.

6. Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.

Each variation gives you a slightly different version of comfort—experiment to find your favorite.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 620

• Protein: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 32g

• Fiber: 3g

• Calcium: 25% DV

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Why Roasted Garlic Makes a Difference

The heart of this dish lies in the roasted garlic. Unlike raw garlic, which has a sharp bite, roasted garlic turns smooth, buttery, and sweet. When blended into the sauce, it adds layers of complexity that make the dish feel indulgent yet balanced.

That’s what separates this recipe from a standard cream pasta—it has a restaurant-quality depth that comes from one simple, humble ingredient.

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Making It Ahead

If you want to meal-prep or save time on a busy day:

• Roast the garlic ahead of time: Store in a small jar with olive oil in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Cook the chicken in advance: Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• Prepare sauce early: Gently reheat and add pasta and broccoli just before serving.

This makes dinner prep seamless and stress-free, especially for weeknights.

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Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish fits almost any dinner occasion:

• Weeknight dinners: Simple enough for everyday cooking.

• Family gatherings: Loved by both kids and adults.

• Date nights: Elegant, creamy, and restaurant-worthy.

• Potlucks or casual get-togethers: Easy to scale up for a crowd.

It’s that kind of versatile comfort food you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! This creamy sauce pairs beautifully with many pasta types. You can use fettuccine, penne, linguine, or even bowtie pasta. Thicker pastas like fettuccine hold the sauce well, while shapes like penne or shells capture bits of chicken and broccoli in every bite. The key is to cook your pasta al dente so it stays firm when tossed in the creamy sauce.

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2. How can I make this recipe lighter without losing the creaminess?

To lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the butter by half. You can also add a bit more chicken broth for moisture. Another tip is to use low-fat Parmesan cheese and bulk up the dish with more vegetables like zucchini, peas, or spinach. These small changes cut calories but still give you that rich, satisfying flavor.

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3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, it’s ideal to prepare components separately. You can roast the garlic and cook the chicken a day in advance, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, make the sauce fresh, add your prepped ingredients, and toss in freshly cooked pasta. This way, your sauce stays creamy and doesn’t thicken too much from refrigeration.

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4. What’s the best way to reheat creamy pasta without it drying out?

Cream-based sauces can thicken when stored, but they’re easy to revive. Reheat your pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a few tablespoons of milk, cream, or broth to bring back the smooth texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate. Stir frequently until warmed through for the best results.

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