🍝 Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
It’s like your favorite Cajun Alfredo meets cheesy garlic pasta — and it’s all made in under an hour! This is the kind of dish that feels like it came from a restaurant, but it’s easy enough for any weeknight dinner.
đź“‹ Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- **1 pound** boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- **2 tablespoons** olive oil
- **1 tablespoon** Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- **1 pound** spaghetti (or fettuccine)
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:
- **4 tablespoons** butter
- **4 cloves** garlic, minced
- **3 cups** whole milk (or 2 cups milk + 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness)
- **1 cup** chicken broth
- **8 ounces** cream cheese, softened
- **2 cups** shredded mozzarella cheese, **divided**
- **½ cup** grated Parmesan cheese
- **1 teaspoon** Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- **ÂĽ teaspoon** crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of **salted water** to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until **al dente**.
- Reserve **1 cup of pasta water**, then drain and set aside.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Cajun Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over **medium-high heat**.
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about **5–7 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Tip: Want more authentic Cajun flavor? Add a pinch of smoked paprika and cayenne for extra depth.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and **melt the butter**.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about **30 seconds**, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, **whisking constantly**.
- Add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Stir in **1½ cups mozzarella**, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning.
- Let the sauce **simmer gently** for 3–5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti, stirring gently until it’s fully coated in that creamy Cajun cheese sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the **reserved pasta water** to loosen it up.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle the remaining **½ cup mozzarella cheese** over the top.
- Cover the skillet and let it sit on **low heat** for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions before serving.
🌶️ Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional)
If you’d like to make your own, here’s a quick blend:
- **1 tablespoon** paprika
- **1 teaspoon** garlic powder
- **1 teaspoon** onion powder
- **1 teaspoon** dried oregano
- **1 teaspoon** dried thyme
- **½ teaspoon** cayenne pepper
- **½ teaspoon** black pepper
- **½ teaspoon** salt
Mix and store in an airtight jar — perfect for chicken, shrimp, or pasta dishes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with:
- A side of **garlic bread** or buttery Texas toast
- A simple **Caesar or green salad** for balance
- Roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli or asparagus
- And of course — a sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts!
đź§Š Storage & Reheating
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| **Refrigerate** | Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. |
| **Reheat** | Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. |
| **Freeze** | Freezes well! Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. |
Would you like me to adjust any of the ingredients for a different dietary restriction, such as gluten-free or dairy-free?