Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly. With tender Cajun-spiced chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Step 7: Add cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
9. Step 9: Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
10. Step 10: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
12. Step 12: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes.
• Use smoked sausage or shrimp in place of chicken for a different protein twist.
• Substitute half-and-half for whole milk for a richer sauce.
• Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a hint of freshness to balance the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape like penne, fettuccine, or rotini works well with this creamy sauce. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in a little extra milk or chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 122 reviews

This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti combines tender, spicy chicken with a rich garlic mozzarella sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce, enhanced with cream cheese and Parmesan, coats al dente spaghetti, delivering a perfect balance of heat and indulgence.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 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

1. Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
2. Season Chicken: While pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and thoroughly cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.
6. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken the sauce.
7. Add Cheeses: Stir in softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Finish Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all flavors.
9. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavor and heat through.
10. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta strands with the creamy Cajun sauce.
11. Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
12. Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or whole milk with evaporated milk.
• You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
• To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, garlic mozzarella sauce, easy Cajun pasta, spicy chicken spaghetti