Creamy Herb Chicken Spaghetti

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're craving something creamy and comforting, this Creamy Herb Chicken Spaghetti is a game-changer for dinner time. It's packed with flavors from fresh herbs and a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Ready in under an hour, it's a quick yet satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients for Creamy Herb Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken breasts are the protein stars here, offering a lean yet juicy bite when cooked properly. Spaghetti serves as the base, soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully. Olive oil helps to brown the chicken while adding a subtle richness. The heavy cream and chicken broth create the sauce's creamy, savory foundation. Parmesan cheese adds depth and a salty note, melting smoothly into the sauce. Garlic infuses the dish with warmth and aroma. Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, and parsley bring out fresh, earthy flavors. Finally, a touch of butter rounds everything out, providing a silky finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to avoid any sticking and for easy cleanup.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. To make it a complete meal, consider serving with a side of garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and herbs beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine or linguine work well if you prefer those over spaghetti.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the chicken and prep the sauce in advance. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Creamy Herb Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get the spaghetti going. Cook it according to the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain it and set it aside for later. Just a quick tip: Save a bit of the pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Next, heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 6-7 minutes per side, until they’re golden and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pan and let them rest. This resting time will keep them juicy when you slice them later.

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two until fragrant. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. As it bubbles away, gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Now, sprinkle in the chopped thyme, basil, and parsley. Mix them in well to distribute their flavors throughout the sauce.

Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet, along with the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy herb sauce. Ensure everything is heated through, then serve immediately.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Features a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti.
  • Uses fresh herbs for a burst of flavor and aroma.
  • Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • Easy to adjust for family preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
12 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
5. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add chopped thyme, basil, and parsley, mixing well.
7. Slice the cooked chicken and return to the skillet, along with the cooked spaghetti. Toss to coat in the creamy herb sauce.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

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