Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a rich and comforting dinner dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken strips atop spaghetti tossed in a luscious creamy cheese sauce. This recipe combines bold Cajun flavors with a smooth blend of cheeses and Italian herbs, providing a satisfying, flavor-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Other
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Press the grated Parmesan cheese onto each piece to create a light crust coating on the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken strips and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat each strand evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Allow the spaghetti to rest for a couple of minutes so that it absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun spaghetti and top with the seared Cajun chicken strips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add more crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for coating the chicken as it adheres better.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
- Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this recipe gluten-free.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy spaghetti, comfort food, cheesy pasta, spicy chicken recipe, dinner recipe
Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-spaghetti-recipe/
