Description
A rich and creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti that envelops tender chicken in a dreamy garlic mozzarella sauce, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
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 pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Once ready, drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: While the pasta cooks, sprinkle Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for about 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes.
- Add in liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Melt in the cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Build complexity with cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Toss spaghetti: Add cooked spaghetti and toss gently to coat.
- Melt more cheese: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Plate up, garnishing with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg