Description
Indulge in a delicious twist on comfort food with this creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti, featuring a rich garlic mozzarella sauce and tender chicken.
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, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook until golden-brown, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Combine Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer until it thickens.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in softened cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, until melted and smooth. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add cooked chicken back into the sauce, simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes. Toss in drained spaghetti to coat in sauce.
- Melt the Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti hot, garnished with parsley or extra Parmesan.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing chicken and sauce a day in advance; store in refrigerator. Reheat gently and add fresh pasta before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg