Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti is a rich and comforting pasta dinner that combines golden-brown garlic butter chicken with silky, cheesy spaghetti tossed in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Every bite brings together tender chicken, fragrant garlic, savory Parmesan, melty mozzarella, and sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

The sauce is incredibly creamy without requiring a complicated cooking process. Heavy cream and softened cream cheese create the base, while freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan add richness and a deliciously cheesy finish. Fresh spinach brings a pop of color and balances the richness of the sauce.

The chicken is cooked separately until beautifully browned, then served alongside the creamy spaghetti so you get a perfect combination of juicy seasoned chicken and luscious pasta in every bite.

This is an easy enough recipe for a weeknight dinner, but it has the look and flavor of something you would order at a cozy Italian-inspired restaurant.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

There are plenty of reasons to make this garlic butter chicken pasta part of your regular dinner rotation.

First, the chicken is simple but packed with flavor. A combination of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt creates a savory seasoning blend that develops a beautiful golden crust when cooked in olive oil and butter.

The pasta sauce is where the dish really shines. Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated tomato flavor and a subtle sweetness, while fresh garlic, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan transform everything into a smooth and luxurious sauce.

Best of all, the entire recipe comes together quickly. While the spaghetti cooks, you can prepare the chicken and sauce, making this a practical option for busy evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt, divided

Cutting the chicken into thick strips helps it cook quickly while remaining juicy inside.

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti

• 12 oz spaghetti
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• ⅓ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the best sauce texture, use freshly grated Parmesan and shred the mozzarella yourself if possible.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve approximately ⅓ cup of the pasta water.

Drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Avoid rinsing it because the natural starch on the surface helps the creamy sauce adhere to the noodles.

2. Season the Chicken

Place the chicken strips in a bowl.

Season them with:

• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Toss well so every piece is evenly coated.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken.

Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning as needed, until the chicken develops a golden-brown exterior and is cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Build the Sun-Dried Tomato Base

Reduce the skillet heat to medium.

Add the remaining butter and minced garlic.

Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.

Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are heated through.

The sun-dried tomatoes will release their concentrated flavor into the buttery garlic mixture, creating an excellent base for the creamy sauce.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low.

Pour in the heavy cream and add the softened cream cheese.

Stir gently until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth.

Avoid boiling the sauce. Gentle heat helps keep the dairy-based sauce creamy and stable.

6. Add the Cheese

Add the freshly shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Stir gently until both cheeses melt into the sauce.

The sauce should become thick, creamy, and glossy.

If it seems too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and stir until the desired consistency is reached.

7. Toss in the Spaghetti

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet.

Use tongs to toss the noodles through the sauce until every strand is evenly coated.

Add more pasta water, a little at a time, if necessary.

The finished sauce should cling to the spaghetti without being overly thick or watery.

8. Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken

Divide the creamy sun-dried tomato spaghetti between serving plates.

Arrange the garlic butter chicken separately alongside the pasta.

Finish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a little extra grated Parmesan.

Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

Tips for the Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Use Oil-Packed or Dry Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Either type can work. If using oil-packed tomatoes, drain them well before chopping. Their concentrated flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Chicken breast can dry out quickly. Cook the strips just until golden brown and cooked through, then remove them from the skillet.

Freshly Grated Cheese Makes a Difference

Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly and provides a stronger flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses can sometimes contain anti-caking ingredients that affect the texture of creamy sauces.

Keep the Sauce on Low Heat

Once the cream and cheese are added, avoid vigorous boiling. Gentle heat creates a smoother, creamier sauce.

Save the Pasta Water

Even if you think you have enough sauce, keep the reserved pasta water nearby. A small splash can transform a thick sauce into a silky coating that clings beautifully to spaghetti.

What Do Sun-Dried Tomatoes Add to the Sauce?

Sun-dried tomatoes have a concentrated tomato flavor with a combination of sweetness, acidity, and savory depth.

Because they have been partially dried, their flavor is much stronger than fresh tomatoes. This makes them especially useful in creamy pasta sauces, where they provide contrast against the richness of cream and cheese.

They also pair naturally with garlic, spinach, Parmesan, and Italian herbs.

Easy Variations

Add Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms after cooking the chicken and before making the sauce. Their earthy flavor works beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes.

Add Red Pepper Flakes

For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Use Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace the chicken breasts. They are especially juicy and flavorful.

Add More Vegetables

Bell peppers, asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini can be added for extra texture and color.

Try Another Pasta

You can easily replace spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or bow-tie pasta.

What to Serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Because this pasta is rich and creamy, fresh sides make an excellent pairing.

Try serving it with:

• Simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted broccoli
• Steamed asparagus
• Sautéed green beans
• Crusty French bread

A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is particularly refreshing alongside the creamy Parmesan sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

The sauce will naturally become thicker when chilled.

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, chicken broth, or water and stir gently until the sauce becomes creamy again.

Avoid high heat, which can cause the cheese and cream sauce to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and tend to stay very juicy. Simply cut them into similar-sized strips and cook until completely done.

Can I make this pasta spicy?

Absolutely. Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic and sun-dried tomato mixture.

Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

You can, although the sauce will be lighter and may not become quite as rich or thick. Heavy cream provides the most luxurious texture.

Can I use only Parmesan instead of mozzarella?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Mozzarella adds creaminess and a mild cheese pull, while Parmesan provides a stronger savory flavor.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time while tossing the spaghetti. The starch in the pasta water helps loosen the sauce while keeping it silky.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes. Cooked chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving. For the best texture, prepare the creamy pasta sauce fresh.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti is a comforting dinner that brings together simple ingredients in a seriously flavorful way. Golden-brown chicken, buttery garlic, sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce make every forkful rich and satisfying.

The secret to the best texture is keeping the sauce gentle, using freshly grated cheese, and adding reserved pasta water gradually until the spaghetti is perfectly coated.

Serve it hot with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for an easy restaurant-style meal that the whole family can enjoy.