Garlic Herb Mozzarella Chicken with Creamy Spaghetti Cheddar Cream

Garlic Herb Mozzarella Chicken with Creamy Spaghetti Cheddar Cream combines golden chicken, melted mozzarella, and spaghetti tossed in a velvety cheddar cream sauce. A cozy dinner ready in under an hour.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thick strips 1 tbsp olive oil 5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided 8 cloves garlic, minced, divided 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning, divided ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp dried basil Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh parsley, chopped 12 oz spaghetti pasta 1 ½ cups heavy cream 1 cup whole milk 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, reserve ½ cup water, then drain.
Step 2: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in cream and milk, whisk smooth. Reduce heat and add cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until melted. Season with herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss pasta in sauce.
Step 3: Pat chicken dry. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Heat olive oil and 3 tbsp butter in a skillet. Sear chicken strips 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Add garlic in final minute, tossing chicken in garlic butter.
Step 5: Sprinkle mozzarella over chicken and let it melt.
Step 6: Plate spaghetti on one side and chicken on the other. Drizzle garlic butter over chicken. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Best served immediately for the creamiest texture. Store chicken and pasta separately to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 920
Fat: 55g
Saturated fat: 28g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Protein: 60g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g