Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a flavorful one-pan pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it features a blend of mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan for a luscious texture balanced with bold Cajun spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted 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, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Combine bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika; toss well to coat evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour evenly into the skillet and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, creating a smooth roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Add cream cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Stir until cheeses melt completely and sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese; season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet. Simmer gently in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss thoroughly until pasta is fully coated with sauce.
- Melt the Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan as desired.
Notes
- For a quicker option, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Any long pasta such as fettuccine or penne can be used in place of spaghetti.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Refrigerate leftovers up to three days and reheat gently to maintain creamy consistency.
- Always verify ingredient labels and consult with an expert if needed for allergies.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, chicken spaghetti, one-pan pasta, quick dinner, cheesy chicken spaghetti, Cajun seasoning
Find it online: https://cheframi.com/easy-creamy-cajun-chicken-spaghetti-recipe/
