Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home after a long day, craving a comforting meal that combines the irresistible allure of garlic-infused butter with tender chicken and a velvety sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti. If you’re tired of bland pasta dishes that leave you unsatisfied, this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce is your ultimate solution. Drawing from Chef Lalyta’s expertise, this one-pan wonder delivers an extra creamy texture that elevates weeknight dinners to gourmet status, making it the go-to recipe for busy families seeking flavor-packed, easy meals. With this recipe, you’ll master a foolproof method that ensures restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

The moment you take your first bite of this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce, you’ll be enveloped in a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. The chicken emerges juicy and golden, perfectly seared in garlic butter, while the three-cheese cheddar sauce—featuring sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella—creates an extra creamy coating that’s rich and indulgent. Picture the pasta strands slick with sauce, offering a delightful contrast between the slight al dente bite of the spaghetti and the smooth, melted cheese that melts in your mouth. Aromas of freshly minced garlic waft through the air, mingling with the buttery essence, promising a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

What sets this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce recipe from lalytarecipes.com apart is Chef Lalyta’s tested approach, honed through years of perfecting Italian-American favorites. This version isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a comprehensive guide packed with the Chef’s Secret for achieving an unbeatable creamy sauce that outperforms the rest. You’ll discover insider tips on ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting advice that build your confidence in the kitchen. By the end, you’ll have all the tools to create a meal that’s not only nourishing but also impressively simple, making it the single best resource for home cooks everywhere.

Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: The true magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce lies in the one-pan method, which allows the garlic butter base to infuse every element with deep, layered flavors while keeping things simple and mess-free. By browning the butter gently before adding the garlic, you create a nutty undertone that enhances the extra creamy sauce’s richness, making it stand out from standard pasta recipes. This technique ensures that the cheeses meld seamlessly, resulting in a sauce that’s velvety and cohesive, not grainy or separated.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture comes from using high-fat butter and heavy cream, which emulsify with the cheeses to form a stable, creamy emulsion. The fats in cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella break down uniformly under heat, creating that luxurious mouthfeel that coats the spaghetti perfectly without becoming oily.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in real home kitchens to guarantee success, even for beginners. Its straightforward steps minimize errors, ensuring consistent results every time you whip up this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Spaghetti (8 oz): This foundational ingredient provides the hearty base for the dish, absorbing the creamy three-cheese cheddar sauce while offering a satisfying al dente texture. Opt for high-quality durum wheat spaghetti for better flavor and structure—it’s less likely to become mushy. If you’re avoiding gluten, substitute with gluten-free spaghetti made from rice or chickpea flour to maintain that classic pasta chew.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2): These add lean protein and a tender, juicy element to your Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce. Choose fresh, organic chicken for superior taste and texture; it’s free from additives that could affect the sauce’s flavor. For a lighter option, swap with turkey breast, which cooks similarly but offers a slightly milder profile.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic is the star aromatics, infusing the butter with a robust, pungent flavor that elevates the entire creamy chicken spaghetti dish. Fresh garlic cloves ensure the best intensity—avoid pre-minced versions, which can be bitter. If you’re out of fresh garlic, roasted garlic paste can substitute for a milder, sweeter note.

Butter (1/2 cup): This forms the luxurious base of the garlic butter sauce, providing richness and a silky mouthfeel that ties the creamy three-cheese cheddar sauce together. Use unsalted butter to control seasoning; European-style butter with higher fat content yields an extra creamy result. For a dairy-free alternative, try plant-based butter, but note it may slightly alter the sauce’s thickness.

Heavy Cream (1 cup): Heavy cream contributes to the ultra-creamy texture, helping the cheeses melt smoothly into a sauce that’s irresistibly rich. Select cream with at least 36% fat for optimal emulsification. If watching calories, substitute with half-and-half, though it will make the sauce less decadent.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Cheddar brings a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the richness in this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded; choose aged cheddar for depth. It can be substituted with Gouda for a smokier twist, as outlined in the FAQs.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup) and Grated Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth, while mozzarella provides stretchy meltability, creating the perfect cheesy blend. Use freshly grated for the best melt; Pecorino can replace Parmesan for a sharper edge, and provolone can stand in for mozzarella to maintain creaminess.

Salt, Pepper, and Fresh Parsley: Salt and pepper enhance all flavors, while parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous garnish. Fresh parsley is key for vibrancy—use sea salt for a cleaner taste. There’s no direct substitute for parsley, but cilantro can add a different herbal note if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Spaghetti

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water for potential sauce adjustment later.

Pro Tip: Salt the water generously—it should taste like the sea—to infuse the spaghetti with flavor from the inside out, enhancing the overall creamy chicken spaghetti experience.

Step 2: Creating the Garlic Butter Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup of butter until it’s fully liquefied and just starting to bubble. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and stir frequently for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcooking the garlic can make it bitter and ruin the sauce—keep an eye on it and remove from heat if it starts to brown too quickly.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

Add the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s juicy and tender throughout.

Pro Tip: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking for uniform doneness, preventing dry spots in your Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce.

Step 4: Making the Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup grated mozzarella. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely into a smooth, creamy sauce, about 2-3 minutes, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding the cheeses too quickly can cause the sauce to clump—add them gradually while stirring to achieve that extra creamy texture.

Step 5: Combining and Tossing

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Use tongs to toss everything together evenly, ensuring each strand is coated in the creamy three-cheese cheddar sauce, and heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Pro Tip: Toss gently to preserve the al dente texture of the spaghetti, allowing it to soak up the flavors without becoming overly soft.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then divide into servings immediately to enjoy while hot.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Letting the dish sit too long before serving can cause the sauce to thicken—serve right away for the best creamy consistency.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce, plate the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the golden chicken and glossy sauce. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few whole parsley leaves for a vibrant, professional touch. This Italian-American main course pairs beautifully with garlic bread for added crunch, a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness, or steamed broccoli to balance the meal with nutrients.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the spaghetti and garlic butter base up to 3 days in advance by cooking the pasta and storing it separately in an airtight container in the fridge. For the chicken and sauce, cook and cool them, then refrigerate; assemble just before serving to maintain the extra creamy texture.

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Use shallow containers to preserve the sauce’s consistency and prevent sogginess.

The Best Way to Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the original creamy garlic butter chicken spaghetti texture, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Cheddar Sauce

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• Author: Chef Lalyta
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti features tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy three-cheese cheddar sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully browned and cooked through.
4. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 35g