why make this recipe
This dish gives you rich, creamy sauce, bold Cajun chicken, and simple pasta. It is fast to cook and fills hungry people. The mix of mozzarella and Parmesan makes the sauce smooth and cheesy. If you like other creamy Cajun pasta styles, try a rotini version for a change of shape with similar flavors like this creamy Cajun chicken rotini recipe.
introduction
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce blends spicy chicken and a garlic-cheese sauce with spaghetti. You make the pasta, cook seasoned chicken, then finish everything in a creamy garlic sauce. This recipe works for weeknights and for guests.
how to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Ingredients :
1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, Salt & black pepper, to taste, 12 oz spaghetti, 2 tbsp butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat), 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed), Fresh parsley (for garnish), Extra Parmesan (for garnish), Light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning (for garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Add spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Return Cajun chicken to the skillet and gently fold everything together. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 5: Plate hot spaghetti with chicken on top. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
how to serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Serve it hot right from the pan. Put extra grated Parmesan and a small parsley sprinkle on top. Offer lemon wedges or a light green salad on the side to balance the cream.
how to store Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Cool the leftovers to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze cream-heavy pasta; the texture may change.
tips to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it keeps texture when you toss with sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; slice thin so it cooks fast and stays juicy.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts smooth into the sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- For a different garlic-cheese taste, try a similar linguine recipe as a guide for garlic balance: garlic Parmesan chicken linguine.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add more Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes.
- Make it milder: use half the Cajun seasoning and skip red pepper flakes.
- Swap pasta: use fettuccine, penne, or rotini instead of spaghetti.
- Add vegetables: bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes work well.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Add pre-cooked chicken in step 4 and warm it through in the sauce. Do not overcook.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Milk will make a thinner sauce. For a creamy result, use heavy cream. You can mix milk with a little cornstarch to thicken if needed.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or a plant-based chicken substitute. Season them with Cajun spice for the same flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
A: Keep the heat moderate when adding cheeses. Stir often and add cheese off the heat if needed. Use room-temperature cream cheese and grate fresh Parmesan.
Q: Can I prepare parts ahead?
A: Yes. Cook and refrigerate the chicken and pasta separately. Reheat and finish in the sauce when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti brings bold flavor with a smooth garlic-mozzarella sauce. For a similar but slightly different take on creamy Cajun pasta, see this tested recipe for inspiration: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – NatashasKitchen.com.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Add spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Return Cajun chicken to the skillet and gently fold everything together. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Plate hot spaghetti with chicken on top.
- Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.