Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a velvety garlic cream sauce loaded with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Itโs comforting, spicy, and irresistibly cheesyโperfect for a weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6โ8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautรฉ for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1โ2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and simmer for 2โ3 minutes to heat through.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top, cover, and let sit for 2โ3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for a faster version.
- Swap spaghetti for fettuccine, linguine, or penne as desired.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- This dish makes great leftoversโstore in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ยฝ cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg