Description
A quick and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and zesty Cajun spices, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
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 the spaghetti: In a large pot, boil salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: While pasta cooks, sprinkle the chicken with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, until golden and no longer pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create a roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux; this helps to thicken the sauce.
- Whisk in liquids: Gradually add the whole milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add creaminess: Once simmering, add the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella. Stir gently until melted and smooth.
- Finishing touches: Stir in the grated Parmesan, and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Combine everything: Return cooked chicken to the sauce, allowing it to heat through for about 2–3 minutes. Mix in the cooked spaghetti, tossing to ensure every strand is coated.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, garnished with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Notes
For a lighter option, use cauliflower noodles or substitute chicken with shrimp. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Spaghetti, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner, Family Recipe, Quick Meal